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LOT 350
Scarce and Desirable U.S. Marine Corps Colt Model 1909
Double Action Revolver with U.S.M.C. Marked Holster - Serial no. 24069, 45 cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. This revolver was shipped to the U.S. Govt. Storekeeper, U.S.M.C. Depot, Philadelphia Pennsylvania on August 28, 1909 according to pages 26 and 28 of “Colt New Service Revolvers” by Bob Murphy. This is a solid representative example of a
Colt U.S. Marine Corps contract Model 1909 revolver. It is one of 1,300 New Service revolvers
in the 23101-26300 serial number range purchased by the Marine Corps beginning in May 1909. In addition to
the “U.S.M.C.” markings, the U.S.M.C. Model 1909 revolvers had a narrower round profile butt and were fitted with hand- checkered two-piece walnut grips. The butt is roll-stamped “U.S./M.C.” in two lines behind the lanyard swivel and has the Marine Corps serial
number “No/177” stamped in two lines ahead of the swivel. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address and patent dates and the left
is marked “COLT D.A. 45”. The left side of the frame behind the cylinder latch has the Rampant Colt trademark on top of a stylized “C”. The Colt serial
number, “24069” is stamped on the inside of the frame and cylinder crane. The partial serial number “4069” is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder latch. A “T” inspection of assembly mark is stamped on the inside of the frame near the serial number. The Colt “triangle/VP” proof mark is stamped on the left
side of the frame above the front trigger guard bow and a “3” assembler’s mark is stamped above the rear trigger guard bow. Includes a scarce U.S.M.C. marked leather holster, of which only 600 were manufactured. The example included with this revolver shows field type modifications allowing the trimmed flap to be tied to the back of the holster.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a grey or brown patina, mostly in the form of mild holster wear, and the Rampant Colt marking on the left of the frame slightly softened. The grips are fair showing extensive handling wear and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The period field modified holster is good with moderate wear.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 351
World War II U.S. Marine Corps VMF-111 Painted AN-6552 Flight Jacket - Offered here is a highly unusual World War II painted USMC AN-6552 flight jacket. The distinctive VMF-111 “Devil Dogs” insignia is painted on the left chest. “BiLLY JO” and VMF-III are painted above and below the large “Devil Dogs” insignia. VMF-
111 was one of the first USMC aviation squadrons. When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December
7, 1941, VMF-111 was one of only two combat ready USMC fighter squadrons. In March 1942, the
squadron arrived on the island of Tutuila with their Grumman F4F Wildcats and was the first
USMC squadron to operate in the Samoans. The squadron was later relocated to Upolu Island
in July 1942. In early 1943, the squadron transitioned to the famed Vought F4U Corsair and
served as a replacement pool for other squadrons engaged in the Solomon Island Campaign.
In January 1944, the squadron operated in the Central Pacific for the rest of the war. The
“Devil Dogs” conducted the first bombing run with Corsairs in combat when the squadron
attacked Japanese anti-aircraft positions on Mili Atoll. The “Devil
Dogs” racked up leading numbers of tonnage of bombs dropped
and miles flown in their close air support role. The back of the
jacket serves for a very unusual backdrop for a painted combat
scene titled “Screamin’ Debby,” which depicts a Curtiss P-40
Warhawk in AVG “Flying Tigers” paint scheme flying over two
downed Japanese fighters. A World War II flight jacket with USMC
fighter squadron insignia and Pacific Theater scene displaying a
non-USMC fighter will certainly cause endless hours of debate.
Could it be that the owner was associated with the AVG prior to
joining the USMC? Perhaps the artist didn’t know the difference
between a P-40 and a F4U? The consignor reports that the jacket
was acquired by an English jazz musician while performing at a
gig in the 1940s.
The AN-6552 jacket was introduced in 1943 and was intended to be a multi-service flight jacket issued to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army Air Forces, hence the “AN” (Army/Navy) nomenclature. Thi model of jacket was only manufactured during a six month period through eight contracts and are rarely encountered with original artwork. This jacket was manufactured by Willes and Geiger Inc., is a size 36, and has a Talon zipper. The back of the collar is stenciled “U.S.” (faint). Includes a few documents from Sergeant
Walter Charles Baltzell (1924-2005), a member of VMF-111. Although Baltzell served in the South Pacific with VMF- 111, he is not associated with the jacket.
CONDITION: Very good with authentic wear heavier on the shoulders and a few tears on the lining. The artwork retains much of the vivid paint. A rare work of World War II leather canvas from a noted USMC fighter squadron. Provenance: The Saloga Collection.
s
322 Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000