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LOT 3263
Spectacular 1912 Production Serial Number C1399 Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. C1399, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1912, the
first year of production of the commercial Government Model. This pistol represented the cutting edge of
firearm technology and was highly sought after by military personnel and civilians alike. This particular example
exhibits the early production lustrous high polish blue finish and nitre blue small parts, as well as the serial number on the left of the frame as seen on only the first 2,250 Government Models, and the “GOVERNMENT MODEL” marking on the front right of the frame which was only seen until approximately
serial numbers C4500-C5000. The slide on this pistol bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. “VP” and “K” are on the trigger guard. The early four-digit serial number is located on the left of the frame. The correct combination brushed chamber/highly polished fully blued barrel is unmarked. Fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, a set of diamond
pattern checkered grips, and an unmarked, two-tone, “keyhole” magazine with lanyard loop on the bottom.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the original lustrous, high polish blue finish and 90% plus of the original nitre blue,
with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on the mainspring housing and the leading edges of the slide. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. If you want one great, high condition, original example of an early production Colt Government Model, here it is!
Provenance: The General Sam S. Walker Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK THE GOVERNMENT MODELS: THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLT MODEL OF 1911 BY GODDARD
LOT 3264
Documented Historic Factory Inscribed Colt “Commercial Issue” Government Model Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Holster - Serial no. C41182, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured in 1916, fairly early in the production of the Colt Government Model. This pistol represented the cutting edge of firearm
technology and was highly sought after by military personnel and civilians alike. This particular example is sometimes called a “Commercial Issue” as it was ordered
specifically for presentation to a military officer. In 1916 this pistol would have been an incredible gift for an officer who had obviously earned the respect and
admiration of those serving under him. The pistol is listed by serial number on p. 260 of “The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911” by Goddard,
including the inscription and that it was shipped to Samuel Bryan, Pay Inspector, U.S. Navy on 17 May 1916 along with two other pistols also inscribed to naval officers. The slide bears the two-line, two-block address and patent markings on the left side of the
slide with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide has the caliber markings. “VP” and “R” are on the trigger guard, and “GOVERNMENT MODEL” is on the right side of the frame above the serial number. The right side of the slide also bears the factory inscription “To W.C. Sutherland/From His Company”. A Lieutenant W.C. Sutherland is listed in the March 1919 issue of Army-Navy-Air Force Register and Defense Times (Vol. 65) as detached from Massachusetts Institute of Technology; to Mare Island to duty in hull division, navy
yard. The Mare Island Navy Yard was the first of its kind on the west coast of the United States, and in 1917 was the site of a large explosion of munitions barges that is believed to have been carried out by German saboteur, Lothar Witzke. It is possible that this pistol was a gift from members of the Navy R.O.T.C. at M.I.T. to Sutherland upon graduation. Includes a “1914” dated canvas Mills holster.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned mostly to a grey-plum brown patina, primarily in the form of holster
and grip type wear. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered minor blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good
with some mild wear and dark staining, and the snap grommet detached from the body but still attached to the snap stud and included.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500 151