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LOT 3393
Historic Colt Pocket Positive Double Action Revolver Attributed
to General William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan, Founder of the OSS,
with Pearl Grips, Factory Box, and Factory Letter - Serial no.
122683, 32 police cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured in 1925, this is an attractive Colt Pocket Positive revolver
that includes documentation linking it to the founder of the OSS, General
William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan. The included factory letter confirms the
configuration apart from the grips (listed as rubber), as well as shipment
to Weed & Co. in Buffalo, New York on 28 December 1925 as a single gun
shipment. It also shows the notation at the bottom of the letter regarding
a now removed “C.W.” stamping on the back strap. Also included is a 1995
dated letter from Jim Gladhill stating that he acquired the revolver from
a store called Security Outlets, who had acquired it from a neighboring
gentleman who stated that he had worked for and was given the revolver
by General William J. Donovan. Also included is a copy of “Donovan of
OSS” by Corey Ford which the previously mentioned letter states confirms
that Donovan was in Buffalo serving as a New York States Attorney. The
revolver itself has standard markings and features apart from being
fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips with Colt medallions during its
period of use. Includes a first edition copy of the previously mentioned
documentation and book, as well as the original factory box with correct
end label and a pair of hard rubber grips (non-matching).
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original nickel
finish with polished back strap (see above), some scattered light handling
marks, and light cylinder drag line. The replacement grips are excellent
with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The book
and box are fine with some mild wear and aging. The extra grips are
good with mild wear and a chip.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
"Strategy, without
information upon which it
can rely, is helpless"
- General William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan,
OSS Founder
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