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The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, and grip material with the monogram “JVG” on the left stock as well as “engraved” notation in the Colt production book. The pistol was sold to famed American World War I General John J. Pershing and shipped to Major Herbert O’Leary (address unavailable) on July 9, 1925. The pistol features a profuse factory floral scroll pattern on a shaded background. The Colt slide markings have been reconfigured to accommodate the presentation inscription on
the left side, a sure sign that the engraving and inscription are factory. This inscription reads, “Presented to/GENERAL JUAN V. GOMEZ/ BY/GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING.” The right side of the slide is stamped “COLT” followed by “AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .45” and a Rampant
Colt ahead of the ejection port and above the two-line Hartford address/patent dates marking amongst the scrollwork. The right side
of the frame is stamped “GOVERNMENT MODEL” above the serial number. The left panel has Juan V. Gomez’s scrimshaw script initials highlighted in black ink. The two-tone magazine is unmarked. In “The Book of Colt Firearms” author R.L. Wilson states that approximately 140 pre-WWII Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 pistols were factory engraved prior to World War II and 160 pistols were inscribed or monogrammed (page 435).
CONDITION: Extremely fine. The frame retains 70% original blue finish and the slide retains 40% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina and some scattered patches of pitting. The engraving is crisp overall. The inscription is crisp. The grips are very fine with a couple tiny chips, number of minor handling marks and crisp scrimshaw monogram. Mechanically excellent. An extraordinary piece of Colt artistry infused with the history of American foreign relations prior to World War II.
Estimate: 55,000 - 85,000
Important Historic Note
In February 1925, General Pershing was greeted with a military review at the request of Venezuelan President, General Juan Vincente Gomez. Newspaper reports show President Gomez, through the Venezuelan minister in Washington, presented General Pershing with a sword having formerly belonged
to Venezuelan National Hero General Jose Antonio Paez. A wonderful, factory engraved and inscribed Colt Model 1911 Pistol would have certainly been an appropriate response.