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LOT 1406
Outstanding Historic World War I Era Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol Inscribed to 1st Lt. J Goldstein with Supporting Documentation - Serial no. C97706, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1917, this is an excellent example of a World War I era commercial Colt Government Model pistol. The left side of the slide has the two-line, two-block address/patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, and the right side has the caliber marking. The right side of the slide also has the non-factory inscription “LIEUT. J GOLDSTEIN U.S.A./From Co A. M.T.D./AUGUST 10-18”. 1st Lt. M.C. Jacob S. Goldstein is listed as having served with the 805th Pioneer Infantry, which was an all African-American unit led by white officers in the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. An included copy of a passenger list for the troop ship U.S.S. Zeppelin lists Lt. Goldstein, a Philadelphia native, as returning to the U.S. on 17 June 1919. The “Co A. M.T.D.” likely refers to Company A of a Medical Transient Detachment, the sort of unit a Medical Corps (M.C.) officer such as Goldstein would have served with or assisted. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” and “1”. The right side of the frame has the Government Model marking over the serial number. It has the “old model” features including the long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, non-dished frame, and smooth flat mainspring housing with a lanyard loop. The barrel has a polished chamber hood and is marked “P” and “5” on the bottom in front of the lug. Fitted with diamond pattern checkered grips and an unmarked two-tone magazine with a lanyard loop base.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the original high polish blue finish with some scattered very light handling marks, and the attractive period executed, non-factory inscription is bright. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very interesting World War I era inscribed Colt Government Model pistol!
Estimate: 7,500 - 9,500
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