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LOT 1430
Exceptional Documented 1914 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter - Serial no. 94370, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round
bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1914. The included
factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to the
commanding officer at Benicia Arsenal in California on 10 September 1914. Many of these early Model 1911 pistols saw hard use through World War I, making an exceptionally fine example like this scarce. The left of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right has the standard
“MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY” marking. The left of the frame has the U.S. property marking and “WGP” inspection mark and
the serial number is on the right. The correct full blued barrel is marked “J” on the left of the lug and “P H” on the chamber hood.
Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, long smooth trigger, short grip safety, diamond pattern checkered grips, and an original unmarked two-tone magazine with a lanyard loop base.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright original blue finish with some slight thinning on the front strap and mainspring housing showing a smooth grey patina and a few scattered light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
As far as early production U.S. Colt Model 1911s go, it would be difficult to find a much better example than this! Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
LOT 1431
Documented World War II U.S. Property Marked and British Proofed Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol with Box and Factory Letter - Serial no. 563986, 32 ACP cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut grips. Manufactured during World War II, this is an excellent example of a British lend-lease Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistol. Many of these
pistols were intended/issued to the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) Branch for clandestine operations in German-occupied Europe and around the world. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line address and patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right side has the caliber marking. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property marking while the left has the serial number. The barrel slide and frame all have British proofs. It has standard features and is fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. The included factory letter confirms the current configurations (listing the finish as blue and not listing the grips, as is typical with factory parkerized guns), as well as shipment to the U.S. government transportation officer at the New York port of embarkation on 4 December 1944 in a 2,000 gun shipment. Includes a modern custom hardwood case with Colt logo and information about the pistol etched on the lid, a Kraft style box hand numbered to the gun, extra magazine, and a 50-count box of Western .32 ACP cartridges that appears to contain the full compliment. CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original parkerized finish with a few small patches of light wear/ scuffs on the right side and some very light edge wear. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered minor flat spots and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The custom case is very fine with only the slightest wear and the box is fine with some mild wear. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
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