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LOT 1323
Rare Sedgley Mark Two “Fist Gun” Hand Firing Device - NSN, 38 , 2 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish. Originally patented in 1944 by Stanley M. Haight, the Sedgley Fist Gun, also known by the nomenclature “Hand Firing Mechanism Mark 2”, has been the subject of great speculation and a certain amount of fantasy about its intended purpose and end users; some sources describe it as an assassination weapon or attribute it to the Office of Strategic Services (to the point of actually being listed as “OSS Glove Pistol” in the ATF’s Curio & Relic List), and in fiction they were featured in the film “Inglourious Basterds” being used by two of the titular commandos to eliminate a pair of German sentries during their attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Per the original patent, Haight’s pistol was designed with the regular soldier in mind first and foremost. Citing the prevalence of sneak attacks and hand to hand combat in warfare, Haight designed a weapon that could be ready and at hand at all waking hours, so even if a soldier was caught unaware or while separated from his regular service weapon, he could simply ball up his fist and make a good, loud response. Additionally, the original patent points out that any concealability was secondary to speed of deployment, actively distancing the Fist Gun from previously designed ‘’sneak’’ weapons, and aside from using subsonic loads, there is no on-board provision for noise reduction. Documentation of actual use in the field is virtually non-existent, though the Sedgley has been reported in/on the hands of WWII U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (Seabee) men operating heavy equipment like boats or tractors. The weapon is of blued steel construction and mounted to a curved steel plate, which bears the Sedgley nomenclature. For firing, a plunger mechanism runs forward, parallel to the barrel, with a round button about 3/4 inch ahead of the muzzle; making a fist takes the fingers out of the way and exposes the plunger, which you then jam into your would-be ambusher’s nearest body part, promptly discharging the 38 caliber round at near-contact distance. After discharge, the soldier could either manually eject the empty shell and reload, or keep hitting the enemy with the over one pound steel blunt instrument strapped to their hand. This particular example is not fitted to a glove. CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing some light handling marks overall, a few dents on the plunger housing and rear cover, and slight bending of the base plate. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1324
Outstanding World War I U.S. Colt
Army Model 1917 Double Action Revolver
- Serial no. 278785, 45 ACP cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1918 with “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the underside of the barrel, “eagle head/S15” inspection mark and Rampant Colt on the left side of the frame, “278785” on the frame and crane, and U.S. Army and model marking on the butt along with the
number “127/771”. It is fitted with fixed sights, smooth walnut grips, and a lanyard ring on the butt.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 99% of the original blue finish with a few scattered patches of light edge wear and a light cylinder drag line. The grips
are also excellent with a few scattered very light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1325
Fine U.S. Springfield
Armory Model 1911
Semi-Automatic
Pistol - Serial no.
106274, 45 ACP cal., 5
inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the
third block of serial numbers reserved for Springfield Armory
production, this is a fine original example of a U.S. Model 1911
semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Springfield Armory for
the United States military. The left side of the slide has the standard
three-line Colt patent dates and two-line “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY/U.S.A.” markings
in two blocks, as well as an ordnance bomb behind the serrations. The right side of the
slide is marked with the Department of Defense eagle and “MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY.”
The left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and an ordnance bomb near the trigger guard, and the serial number is marked on the right. Features blade and notch
sights, checkered wide hammer, short grip safety, and a smooth straight mainspring housing with a lanyard ring. The blued barrel is marked “P” on the left of the lug and “S” on the right. It is fitted with a pair of correct checkered, large diamond pattern, walnut grips and a blued magazine with wraparound base (lanyard loop absent).
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of light surface pitting, and a takedown mark on the frame and slide. The grips are very good with some moderate wear, scattered light handling marks, and otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1326
Excellent World
War II U.S. Colt
Model 1911A1
Semi-Automatic Pistol
with Holster - Serial no.
1656856, 45 ACP cal., 5
inch round bbl., parkerized
finish, plastic grips.
Manufactured in 1944. The
left side of the slide has the
two line, two block address
and patent dates marking
with the Rampant Colt in
the center. The left side of
the frame is stamped with
a “G.H.D.” inspection stamp
and “P” with the left side of
the trigger guard having
the letter “X” and Colt VP
proof and the right side of
the trigger guard having the number “96”. There are British proofs visible on the frame, slide, and barrel. The full blue barrel is marked “P” on the left of the lug, “COLT 45 AUTO” on the lower left, and
has British proofs on the chamber hood. It has the “No” style serial
number, fixed sights, checkered wide hammer, stamped short
trigger, checkered slide stop and thumb safety, long grip safety,
arched serrated mainspring housing, an unmarked full blue magazine, and reinforced grips. Includes a “US” marked leather holster with “63” stamped and “LD” hand carved on the back.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the original parkerized finish with some very light edge wear and scattered light nicks and handling/takedown marks. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some mild wear.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,250