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LOT 1315
Very Fine
World War II Era
Documented “R.S.”
Inspected 1941
Production U.S. Colt
Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster Rig - Serial no. 732449, 45
ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in 1941, the Robert
Sears inspected Model 1911A1 pistols saw the transition from Colt’s high polish
blue to the parkerization treatment that would become the standard for the rest
of World War II production, with this example having received the blue finish before
the transition. This specific pistol falls within the range of 3,150 pistols (serial number range 731,028 to
734,177) listed on page 396 of “Colt .45 Service Pistols” (1991 publication) by Charles W. Clawson as shipped
to the U.S. Springfield Armory on June 28, 1941. Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, a blued
barrel marked “COLT 45 AUTO” on the left side and with “P” on the recoil lug, the standard two-line, two-block
Colt address and patent dates with the Rampant Colt in the center on the left of the slide with “P” on top and
matching “732/449” serial number under the firing pin stop, along with a checkered thumb safety, slide stop, wide
spur hammer, short trigger, and arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop at the bottom. The left of the frame
bears a boxed “R.S.” (Robert Sears) inspector mark and “P” proof, with another boxed “R.S.” inspector mark repeated
in top of the frame under the slide, while the right side bears the serial number, model, and U.S. property markings.
The left of the trigger guard is marked with “P” over “triangle/VP”, with “60” marked on the right side. Fitted with a pair
of brown checkered plastic ‘hollow back’ grips and a replacement full blued commercial pattern magazine
marked “COLT/45 AUTO” on the baseplate. Includes a “US” embossed M1916 pattern leather flap holster with
“SEARS/1942” manufacturers mark on the back and leather lanyard, an unmarked M1936 pattern web pistol
belt, a “1918” dated Mills pattern web dual cell magazine pouch, and two extra two-tone blued magazines
marked “A” on the base lip.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish with some minor edge wear, minor cycling wear,
light thinning on the grip straps with silvering and brown patina, some minor patches of spotting/freckling, and
minor handling marks. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster and belt rig are fine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1316
Excellent U.S. Property
Marked Colt Model 1908 Pocket
Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. M137001,
380 ACP cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1944 with standard markings as well as the rare and
desirable “U.S. PROPERTY” marking on the right side of the frame and a partial crossed
cannons ordnance stamp on the left, as well as an “M” stamped just in front of the serial
number that correctly appears to have been stamped before the finish was applied. It is
fitted with blade front and flat top notch rear sights, and checkered
grips with Colt medallions.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% of the original blue finish with some scattered light
edge wear and handling marks. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered minor
blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,250 - 4,500
LOT 1317
Rare U.S. Navy Atlantic Escape and Evasion “Barter Kit” - Designed for and issued to American pilots
possibly as early as World War II, 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 kit is the Atlantic variation, which would traditionally contain a
British or South African Pound gold Sovereign, two British and/or South African gold half Sovereigns, a 10
Franc coin, a 20 Franc coin, and three golden rings. The case is hard rubber and marked “IF FOUND RETURN
TO/COMNAVAIRLANT (CNAL 34)/NORFOLK, VIRGINIA” on both sides and the individual serial number “920”
marked on one side; the use of the “COMNAVAIRLANT” abbreviation for Commander, Air Force Atlantic,
started in the 1950s. This kit has been opened, with the three rings, five coins, and metal serial number plate
present and firmly embedded in the rubber. Information supplied by the consignor indicates that this kit
was released from government inventory as part of a Defense Logistics Agency property disposal auction in
1980 in Columbus, Ohio.
CONDITION: Very good with minor handling marks on the exterior of the case. The contents show glue
residue but otherwise appear all in good order.
Provenance: The Thomas Whiteman Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
Listed in the serial number range of
731,028 to 734,177 in Colt .45 Service
Pistols by Clawson as shipped to the U.S.
Springfield Armory on June 28, 1941