Colt Pony prototype or “Never Was” .380 ACP, 1973, single action, steel frame and slide, 97 percent

Colt Pony prototype or “Never Was” .380 ACP. Made circa 1973, serial CPA001097 is one of approximately 50 pistols made from parts Colt vended from Firearms International Corporation in a test run. Colt assembled these pistols, found them unsatisfactory, is said to have retained approximately a dozen and returned the balance of the parts sets to the vendor. Some of those were also completed and found their way to the market. It is unknown if this pistol originated from the Colt group or the vendor’s group. Regardless, this version was never manufactured and in many respects appears to be a miniature 1911. Features include a 3.15-inch barrel, steel slide (polished flats, matte top, fixed front sight, adjustable rear sight), color case hammer (checkered spur), checkered thumb safety, steel frame (beavertail, flared front strap, curved backstrap with lanyard ring, single stack magazine and walnut grips (checkered, Colt medallions). No box or papers. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal finish is approximately 97 percent with a uniform “plumming” on the frame. Hammer colors are bright and the grips are 100 percent. The price is firm and layaway is available. $6,500 plus shipping.