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Photographs of the nose of the aircraft indicate that it was involved
in the sort of action that Thorington is often cited as being a part of,
including “kill marks” for eight enemy ships and six enemy aircraft. A 27
April 1943 dated article from The Birmingham News states “During one
of the raids, eight Zeros attacked, but Thorington’s formation remained
in order and bombed so accurately that four ships were sunk or badly
damaged. Three of the Zeros were shot down.” Thorington went on
to serve in the Korean War, eventually reaching the rank of colonel,
serving at and commanding various air bases around the country and
the world.
Manufactured in 1941, the Robert Sears inspected Colts marked
the transition point from Colt’s high polish blue to the parkerization
treatment that would become the standard for the rest of the war,
with this example receiving the “brush” polish blue. Clawson’s “Colt
.45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1” lists this pistol in a
shipment of 3,150 pistols on 30 April 1941, on p. 396. The left side of
the matching numbered slide has the two-line, two-block, patent dates
and address with the Rampant Colt between, and the right side of the
slide is devoid of markings. The right side of the frame has the U.S.
property marking, serial number, and model designation, with “99” on
the trigger guard. The left side of the frame has the boxed “R.S.” Robert
Sears inspection mark, “P” proof, and “P” over “VP” proof on the trigger
guard. The top of the slide also has a “P” proof. The blued
barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” on the bottom left, “P” on
the left of the lug, and “G” on the bottom in front of the lug.
Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer,
short checkered trigger, long grip safety, arched checkered
mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, an unmarked two-
tone magazine, and checkered walnut grips. Also included are
the previously mentioned medals and photos, a flight wings pin,
a World War II victory medal, an Army Air Corps patch, an Army
Air Corps marked leather pilots navigation kit bag, other pictures
and articles related to Thorington, an extra magazine, and a framed
certificate of membership to the Order of Daedalians
naming Thorington.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original “brush”
blue finish with a few scattered small patches of rough plum colored
oxidation, mostly noticeably on the front left of the slide, and a
speckling on the back strap. There is a light takedown mark on the left
of the frame. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling
marks and crisp checkering. The included magazine does not activate
the slide catch; otherwise, mechanically excellent. The medals and
navigation kit are very fine with minimal wear. An exceptionally fine,
early World War II, Colt Model 1911A1 pistol, with incredible history!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000