Page 332 - 4090-BOOK2
P. 332
LOT 1460
LOT 1461
West German Proofed World War II Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 1117074, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, plastic grips.
Manufactured in 1943, this U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 appears to be one of less than 300 provided to the
Bavarian police in West Germany after World War II and subsequently exported to the U.S. once again. The
left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block address and patent dates separated by the Rampant
Colt along with an “eagle/N” proof in front of the serrations, while the right side is correctly devoid of markings.
The left side of the frame has the “G.H.D.” inspector marking, “P” proof, an “eagle/N”, Bavarian shield, and “66”
within a shield above the trigger guard. The left of the trigger guard is marked “8/VP”. The right of the frame
has the standard model and U.S. property markings as well as the additional “HEGE” export mark and “.45 AUTO”
caliber marking, both near the trigger guard. The full blue barrel has an “eagle/N” proof on the chamber hood and
is marked “HS” and “P” on either side of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, a wide checkered hammer,
checkered thumb safety, serrated slide catch, checkered arched mainspring housing with a lanyard loop base, a pair of reinforced checkered grips, and a full blue commercial style magazine marked “COLT/45 AUTO.” on the base.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% of the original parkerized finish with some light edge wear, some thinning on the front strap showing
a faint brown patina and a few scattered light handling marks. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A unique West German police marked U.S. Colt Model 1911A1!
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1462
Rare Unopened U.S. Navy Atlantic Escape and Evasion “Barter Kit” -
Designed for and issued to American pilots possibly as early as World War II, but more likely during the Cold War era, for use in the event they were downed behind enemy lines, or otherwise found themselves in hostile territory. On average the kits contained approximately .90 Troy ounces
of fine gold in the form of coins and rings, and were issued sealed. Due to the value of the individual kits, each kit was serial numbered and had to be signed out and signed back in with all contents accounted for if the kit was opened in the course of duty. This particular kit is the Atlantic variation (kits were made for both the European and Pacific theaters), which would traditionally contain a British 1 Pound gold Sovereign,
two British gold half Sovereigns, a 10 Franc coin, a 20 Franc coin, and three golden rings. The case itself is hard rubber and marked “IF FOUND RETURN TO/COMNAVAIRLANT (CNAL 34)/NORFOLK, VIRGINIA” on both sides and the individual serial number “688” is marked at the bottom. The writer’s belief that these are Cold War artifacts is due to “NAV” not being added to the “COMNAVAIRLANT” title until the 1950s, prior to then it was simply referred to as “COMAIRLANT”, or Commander, Air Force Atlantic. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining its original seal and presumably original contents with some light handling/storage marks on the hard rubber case. An interesting piece of Cold War era U.S. Military equipment! Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK ART OF THE FLGIHT JACKET BY MAGUIRE & CONWAY
Identified and Documented World War II USAF 8th Air Force B-17 Navigator A-2 Flight Jacket as Pictured in “Art of the Flight Jacket” - This World War II USAAF A-2 flight jacket (drawing number 30-41 AC. order no. 755) is a size 38, has a Conmar zipper, and was worn by 8th Air Force B-17 navigator James Scott (1925-1972). The name of Scott’s wife, Eleanore, is painted in script on the left chest. The right chest carries a fantastic and large 535th BS chenille patch. Scott retired from the Air Force in 1964. The jacket was pictured and identified in Maguire and Conway’s “Art of the Flight Jacket” on pages 67-68. A copy of the book is included. Scott was with the 535th Bomb Squadron, 381st Bomb Group out of Ridgewell, England. The 535th BS was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations. The first citation was received for actions taken on October 8, 1943, while striking the heavily defended shipyards at Bremen. All bombers that returned received battle damage. The second citation was awarded for flying without fighter protection to bomb German aircraft factories on January 11, 1944. The squadron was involved in the strategic bombardment campaign as well as supporting ground troops through air interdiction in support of Operation Overlord, Operation Cobra, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Allied crossing of the Rhine.
CONDITION: Very good showing authentic wear with tearing on the lining at the collar. The wonderful chenille squadron patch is very fine. The name “Eleanore” is clearly visible. A World War II A-2 flight jacket documented to a B-17 navigator who served with a well-known and decorated bomber squadron.
330 Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000