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LOT 133
Historic Documented Pre-World War II Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol Owned by Captain E.J. “Jay” Banks of the Texas Rangers with Signed Texas
Department of Public Safety Letter - Serial no. C139960, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, stag grips. Manufactured in 1924, this is an very fine example of a pre-war commercial Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol. This pistol is documented as being carried by Texas
Ranger E.J. “Jay” Banks early in his career. In the included copy of the Texas Department of Public Safety letter, Banks states that this pistol, along with another Colt Government Model in this auction, were carried on duty by him early
in his career. He states that, at the time, his captain “Lone Wolf ” Gonzaullas favored the Colt .45 auto, and that rangers were required to carry them. He also states that not all of the rangers agreed with that sentiment. The left side of the matching number slide has the two-line address/patent dates and the right side has the caliber marking followed by a
Rampant Colt. The left of the trigger guard is marked “1/VP”, and the right is marked “51”. The right side of the frame has the Government Model marking over the serial number. The blued barrel has a polished chamber hood and is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” on the lower left, “P” on the left of the lug, and “G” on the bottom in front of the lug. It has the “improved model” features including the short checkered trigger, wide checkered hammer, dished frame sides, and arched checkered mainspring housing with a lanyard loop. It is fitted with a pair of period replacement stag grips and a two-tone magazine with pinned base.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% of the original blue finish with some light holster and handling wear, typical of a Texas Ranger’s duty weapon. The period replacement grips are very fine with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to own a sidearm carried by one of the most famous Texas Rangers of his era!
Estimate: 8,500 - 11,000
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LOT 134
Documented Smith & Wesson .357 Combat Magnum Pre-Model 19 Double Action Revolver Owned by Captain E.J. “Jay” Banks of the Texas Rangers with Texas Department of Public Safety Letter - Serial no. K261037, 357 magnum cal., 4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured from 1955-1957, Smith & Wesson’s .357 Combat Magnum, or “pre-Model 19” as it is often known as now, quickly became a favored sidearm of law enforcement. This example in particular was owned by a member of perhaps the most famous law enforcement agency in America, or the world for that matter, the Texas Rangers. The included copy of a Texas Department of Public Safety letter signed by “Jay” Banks states that this revolver, as well as another Combat Magnum in this auction, were carried by him on duty as a Texas Ranger from the mid-1950s until the end of his career. Given Banks’ comments in another letter listing a pair of Colt Government Models, it is fairly clear that the ranger preferred these revolvers over the semi-automatics. In almost all of the available photographs of Banks, he is pictured with a dual holster rig and two revolvers. The letter lists this revolver and the other in this auction by serial number. The revolver has the standard Smith & Wesson markings. It is fitted with a ramped blade front sight, adjustable micrometer click rear sight, a wide serrated trigger shoe, and a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips with Smith & Wesson medallions at the tops. CONDITION: Fine, retains 90% plus of the period refinished blue with some scattered patches of light pitting visible beneath the finish and some light muzzle wear. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A chance to own one of the sidearms of a legendary Texas Ranger! Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500