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LOT 293
Very Fine 1913 Production U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial
no. 40496, 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 an early 1913 production, U.S. Navy contract Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped on 3 August 1913 to the
Brooklyn Navy Yard (page 515 “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Meadows). The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line,
two-block Colt address and patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right bears the desirable “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY”
marking. The full blue barrel is marked “PH” on the chamber hood, “5” on the bottom, and “J” on the left of the lug. 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 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 two tone magazine with a pinned base with lanyard loop.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on
the front strap and the leading edges of the slide, and a few scattered light patches of pitting. The mainspring housing has been refinished and
the lanyard loop removed. The grips are very good with some scattered minor blemishes and handling marks in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 295
Rare Unopened U.S. Navy Atlantic Escape and Evasion “Barter Kit” - Designed for and issued to American pilots possibly as early as World War II, but more likely during the Cold War era, for use in the event they were downed behind enemy lines, or otherwise found themselves in hostile territory. On average the kits contained approximately .90 Troy ounces of fine gold in the form of coins and rings, and were issued sealed. Due to the value of the individual kits, each kit was serial numbered and had to be signed out and signed back
in with all contents accounted for if
the kit was opened in the course of
duty. This particular kit is the Atlantic
variation (kits were made for both the
European and Pacific theaters), which
would traditionally contain a British 1
Pound gold Sovereign, two British gold
half Sovereigns, a 10 Franc coin, a 20
Franc coin, and three golden rings. The
case itself is hard rubber and marked “IF
FOUND RETURN TO/COMNAVAIRLANT
(CNAL 34)/NORFOLK, VIRGINIA” on both sides and the individual serial number “1810” is hand marked
on one side. The writer’s belief that these are Cold War artifacts is due to “NAV” not being added to the “COMNAVAIRLANT” title until the 1950’s, prior to then it was simply referred to as “COMAIRLANT”, or Commander, Air Force Atlantic. Includes what appears to be a bidding form from the original Department of Defense auction when the piece was purchased in 1980.
CONDITION: Very fine, the case showing a few scattered minor dings and pressure marks but otherwise
minimal wear and the factory seal appearing to be intact. A rare piece that would add a touch of curiosity
to any U.S. military collection! 273 Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
Collector’s Fact
Of the 578,473 Model 1911 pistols purchased for the U.S. Navy, only 15,037 were manufactured with a U.S. Navy slide legend.
LOT 294
Very Scarce Colt
U.S. Navy Model 1909
Double Action Revolver - Serial
no. 52448, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. This pistol is one of only 1,000 Colt Model
1909 double action revolvers manufactured for the
United States Navy. Showing a fine high polish blue
finish overall, with a set of fixed sights, the two-line
Hartford address and “COLT D.A. 45” on the barrel, “VP” and “3”
on the trigger guard and the Rampant Colt backed by a stylized “C” on the side plate. “N” is marked on the underside of the barrel and rear cylinder face, and the butt is marked “U.S.N./(anchor)/45D.A.” and “No/448” next to the lanyard swivel. Fitted with a pair of smooth walnut grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus of the original high polish blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on the grips straps and edges, with numerous light nicks and scratches scattered throughout. The grips are also very good with some minor handling marks scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500