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LOT 322
Highly Desirable Excellent Late World War II Production “JSB” Inspected U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter - Serial no. 2364460, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round
bbl., parkerized finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in 1945, this is an excellent example of a very scarce, John S. Begley inspected, U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 pistol. These pistols fall into some of the final
shipments of Colt 1911A1 pistols sent out in the waning months of World War II, and it is estimated that
only a few thousand bear Begley’s rare “JSB” inspection marking. For a completionist collector of World War II Model 1911A1s, this is a
difficult to find variation. The included factory letter confirms the configuration of the pistols, grips not listed, and that it was furnished with two extra magazines. It also lists shipment to the Springfield Ordnance Depot on 10 August 1945 in a shipment of 2,100 guns, a little
less than a month before the Japanese surrender officially ended World War II. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line, two- block patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between them. The right side of the slide is correctly unmarked. The left side of the frame has the rare and desirable “JSB” inspectors mark and “P” proof next to the magazine release as well as on the top of the slide. The right
side of the frame has the standard U.S. Property, Army, and model markings, along with the serial number and crossed cannons ordnance mark. The blued barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” on the lower left and “P” on the left of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, serrated
slide stop and arched mainspring housing, and a checkered magazine release, narrow hammer, and thumb safety. The grips are checkered with reinforced backs and the magazine is fully blued and marked “R”.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, as issued, retains 99% of the original parkerized finish with a few very light handling/takedown marks and extremely light wear on the leading edges of the slide. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. This is a rare variation of World War II production Colt Model 1911A1, which will be absent from some of even the most complete collections! Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
LOT 323
Historic Documented World War II U.S. Property Marked Colt Model
1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic General Officer’s Pistol Issued to U.S. Army Major General William A. Cunningham III - Serial no.
567378, 32 ACP cal., 3 7/8 inch round
bbl., parkerized finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1942, this pistol
is listed by serial number on page 69 of “The Colt U.S. General Officer’s
Pistol” by Greeley as issued in 1959,
as well as on page 137 of “The Colt
Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols”
by Brunner further detailing the pistol as issued to Gen. William Alex
Cunningham III on January 29, 1959. Retired as a Major General in 1966,
William “Bill” A. Cunningham III (1911-1983) was a native of Athens,
Georgia, who enlisted in the regular army before attending the U.S.
Military Academy and graduating with the class of 1934. During World
War II, he was initially the battalion commander of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment,
1st Infantry Division in North Africa, being severely wounded in August 1942 during the Battle of El Guettar. After a period in hospital, he was subsequently ordered to the Command and General Staff College as its first instructor with World War II combat experience. In 1945, he served on
the joint staff of the Okinawa Island Command, participating in the landings and operations on
the island through the end of the war and later as assistant chief of staff of island command until 1947. Cunningham III also acted as policy officer for the Plans and Operations Division, Joint Staff, Headquarters, Commander in Chief Pacific Theater during the Korean War, later as an advisor for the Republic of Korea, and holding various commands until his retirement, having been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal,
Silver Star, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart during his 38-year career. Features fixed blade front and notch rear
sights, blued barrel marked “COLT 32 AUTO” on the left side, standard two-line address and patent dates on the left side of the slide with caliber marking
on the right and matching serial number on the interior, “U.S. PROPERTY” marking on the right of the frame with “36” on the trigger guard, and the serial number on the left of the frame with “triangle VP” and “X” marked on that side of the trigger guard. Fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions and blued magazine with “CAL.32/COLT” marked on the underside of the floor plate.
CONDITION: Excellent as an issued General Officer’s pistol, retaining 97% plus original parkerized finish with limited minor spotting, minor edge wear, and otherwise limited minor handling marks and faint brown patina. The grips are exceptionally fine with well defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. A standout example of an
early World War II production U.S. Colt General Officer’s pistol as issued to a former U.S. Army Major General and decorated combat veteran.
Provenance: Maj. Gen. (Ret., U.S. Army) William A. Cunningham III; Property of a Gentleman.
AS DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK THE COLT POCKET HAMMERLESS AUTOMATIC PISTOL BY BRUNNER
AS DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK THE COLT U.S. GENERAL OFFICER'S PISTOL BY GREELEY
316 Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500