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LOT 1331
Highly Desirable Documented
1913 Production U.S. Marine
Corps Contract Colt Model 1911
Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster Rig - Serial
no. 36850, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured in 1913, with the serial number falling within the range of
(36,401-37,650) of 1,250 Colt Model 1911 pistols shipped to the U.S. Marine Corps
Quartermaster in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 9, 1913, as listed in the table on
page 160 of “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols: 1894-1920” by Meadows. During the course of the World War I era (1912-1918), Colt shipped a total
of approximately 9,950 Model 1911 pistols to the Marine Corps and at least 25 Government Models, making these pistols incredibly scarce in
comparison to their Army shipped counterparts. Unlike the Navy contract Model 1911 pistols, many of which have a special slide marking, those
that were shipped to the Marine Corps had the standard Army nomenclature, as is present on this example. Features fixed oval blade front and
rounded notch rear sights, a blued barrel with “P” and “H” marked on the chamber hood, the two-line, two-block Colt patent dates and address
marked on the left side of the slide with Rampant Colt behind the serrations and the model designation
marked on the right side, the U.S. property marking and circled “WGP” (Walter G. Penfield) inspection
mark on the left of the frame, and the serial number on the right of the frame. Fitted with a pair of double-
diamond checkered walnut grips and a correct unmarked two-tone blued magazine with “keyhole” relief
cut and pinned lanyard loop base. Includes a M1912 web pistol belt, a “1918” dated Mills dual cell web
magazine pouch, and a Mills web holster.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining 30% plus original blue finish with scattered edge wear, mild cycling wear,
the balance thinned to smooth grey and brown patinas, light freckling, light handling marks, and mostly
crisp markings. The grips are fine with some light rub wear and handling marks in the well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The web holster rig is very fine.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 1333
Very Scarce and Highly Desirable “1911” Dated First Pattern U.S. Rock Island Arsenal Leather
Cavalry Swivel Holster for a U.S. Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Manufactured by the U.S. Rock
Island Arsenal in 1911 for use with the at-the-time new U.S. Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistols. Fabricated from brown
leather in a right-handed configuration, with embossed oval “US” stamp on the flap and “R.I.A./1911/T.C.C.” stamped on the backside.
CONDITION: Very fine, with some minor rub wear, some light scrapes, light darkening on the backside, along with attractive consistent
coloration, crisp stamps, and supple leather.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1332
World War II U.S.M.C. Camillus Fairbairn-
Sykes Dagger with Sheath - Manufactured during World War II and patterned
after the British Fairbairn-Sykes dagger, the U.S.M.C. Camillus dagger used solid
zinc for the hilt; while this allowed for good balance while conserving war-
essential material, they did not suffer age or wear as gracefully as steel or brass,
and very few have made it to the 21st century in as good of a condition as this
specimen. 12 3/8 inches overall with a 7 1/4 inch double edged blade, etched
with “U.S.M.C.” and the Camillus address on the obverse, and a one-piece
checkered zinc hilt. The leather sheath is fitted with steel reinforcement
panels, and has an “APL” monogram cut into the front; APL has not been
identified.
CONDITION: Very fine. The blade is exceptionally fine, with excellent etching, and
minor spotting, and the hilt is excellent with mild wear, showing none of the age cracking or deterioration
typically seen on these knives. The sheath is fine, with mild oxidization of the reinforcement plates and
light wear and staining overall.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
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