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LOT 1340
Historic Grouping Including 1912 Production U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Model 1852 Naval Officer’s Sword and Extensive Documentation Regarding Captain Ross G. Willoh, a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Veteran
of World War I and World War II - Serial no. 7240, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. A total of 15,037 of these pistols were manufactured by Colt with the desirable U.S. Navy slide marking, all of which were delivered prior to April of 1915. After that, all Model 1911 pistols delivered to the Navy would bear the standard U.S. Army nomenclature, of which there were approximately 578,473 manufactured, making this variation comparatively very scarce. This
is an example of a 1912 production, U.S. Navy contract Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped on 5 October 1912, to the Brooklyn Navy Yard (“The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911” by Goddard). The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block Colt address and patent dates with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right bears the desirable “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY” marking. The correct brush blued barrel is marked “5” on the bottom in front of the lug and “H” on the rear face of the chamber hood. The
left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and “WGP” circled monogram above the magazine release, while the serial number is in the early forward position on the right. It is fitted with blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, checkered slide catch, thumb safety, magazine catch, and wide hammer, long smooth trigger, smooth flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and a refinished magazine with the very early pattern exposed base with lanyard loop. Includes a Model 1852 Naval Officer’s sword with etched
blade featuring naval motifs leather wrap, and a scabbard, and canvas magazine pouch with two extra magazines. Also includes extensive documentation, photographs, and other items pertaining to captain Ross G. Willoh (1885-1973). Willoh enlisted in the Naval Militia of Ohio in 1904, was enlisted in the U.S. navy from 1905-1909. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1914, and called to active service in 1917. After serving in World War I he was transferred to the U.S Naval Reserve Force and then discharged in 1920.
He later joined the U.S. Coast Guard reserves and served through World War II, reaching the rank of commander. Included is a 48-star American flag and various medals and awards from both World Wars. An included obituary for the captain cites more than 30 years of service with the U.S. Coast Guard involved in marine inspection.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retains 75% plus of
the bright original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a mix of smooth grey and smooth brown patinas. The grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The sword is fine overall with mostly bright metal, minimal wear and crisp etching on the blade while the scabbard has some light wear. Other accessories are fine.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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