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Not long after this much of the battle weary and depleted 19th was transferred back
the the United States
where it was eventually
deactivated, however many
of its members, including
Thorington, appear to
have transferred to the
43rd Bombardment Group
to continue fighting the
Japanese in the South Pacific.
Newspaper articles indicate,
that around this time, Thorington
was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal, the latter two being included with the lot.
It appears, that for the remainder of the war Thorington, who was at some point promoted to captain, served with the 64th Bombardment Squadron of the 34th BG. Through process of elimination, the writer believes that Thorington may have been the pilot of the B-17E Flying Fortress with the serial number 41-2649, which was later photographed at Patteson Field in Ohio and identified with the nickname “My Oklahoma Gal” by the New York Journal-American, though there is no evidence it bore this nickname during its time in the Pacific. Photographs of the nose of the aircraft indicate that it was involved in the sort of action that Thorington is often cited as being a part of, including “kill marks” for eight enemy ships and six enemy aircraft. A 27 April 1943 dated article from The Birmingham News states “During one of the raids, eight Zeros attacked, but Thorington’s formation remained in order and bombed so accurately that four ships were sunk or badly damaged. Three of the Zeros were shot down.” Thorington went on to serve in the Korean War, eventually reaching the rank of colonel, serving at and commanding various air bases around the country and the world.
Manufactured in 1941, the Robert Sears inspected Colts marked the transition point from Colt’s high polish
blue to the parkerization treatment that would become the standard for the rest of the war, with this example receiving the “brush” polish blue. Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1” lists this pistol in
a shipment of 3,150 pistols on 30 April 1941, on p. 396. The left side of the matching numbered slide has the two- line, two-block, patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between, and the right side of the slide is devoid of markings. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property marking, serial number, and model designation, with “99” on the trigger guard. The left side of the frame has the boxed “R.S.” Robert Sears inspection mark, “P” proof, and “P” over “VP” proof on the trigger guard. The top of the slide also has a “P” proof. The blued
barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” on the bottom left, “P” on the left of the lug, and “G” on
the bottom in front of the lug. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer,
short checkered trigger, long grip safety, arched checkered mainspring housing with a
lanyard loop, an unmarked two-tone magazine, and checkered walnut grips. Also included
are the previously mentioned medals and photos, a flight wings pin, a World War II victory
medal, an Army Air Corps patch, an Army Air Corps marked leather pilots navigation kit bag,
other pictures and articles related to Thorington, an extra magazine, a framed certificate
of membership to the Order of Daedalians naming Thorington, and an assortment of what
appear to be World War II era .45 ACP cartridges.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original “brush” blue finish with a few
scattered small patches of rough plum colored oxidation, mostly noticeably on the front
left of the slide, and a speckling on the back strap. There is a light takedown mark on the
left of the frame. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp
checkering. Mechanically excellent. The medals and navigation kit are very fine with minimal
wear. An exceptionally fine, early World War II, Colt Model 1911A1 pistol, with
incredible history!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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