December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
During World War II, the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor to the modern CIA and operator of various espionage activities, desired a reliable silenced handgun for their agents to use in covert situations. By the start of 1943, a contract was awarded to Bell Telephone Laboratories, a division of Western Electric, and, with just 3 weeks of development, a prototype was delivered to the OSS for testing. Hi-Standard Model H-D pistols were selected as the host gun, a first order of 1500 placed by the OSS in November 1943. In total, over 3 contracts, 2,620 of these silenced "MS" pistols were produced. In addition to the OSS, these pistols found favor with the storied Alamo Scouts and ranking officers Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur. Even legendary U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was found with an MS after being shot down by Soviets in 1960. This example falls near the end of the known serial number range (110074 - 130040). According to an included scan of the factory records this pistol is listed by serial number as "War Dept (M.S.)" on October 10, 1944. The high quality reproduction 7 - 3/4" integral suppressor is matte finished and is fit with a reverse ramped blade front sight. Underside is laser engraved with the registration: "10X Guns / Vero Beach, FL / 22 LR S/N: 90". Electronic registry lists the manufacturer as TL Guns and Manufacturing. the model as CDH. Pistol is finished in full, matte gray parkerization and is marked on the left with standard manufacturer information. The right bears a "PROPERTY OF / U.S." stamp over an ordnance wheel. Correct 2-piece checkered composition grips. CONDITION: Pistol retains virtually all of its expertly reapplied parkerized finish with only mild high edge silvering and light handling marks. Grips are fine, a few small nicks present at the base. Bore is crisp and bright. Fine mechanics. A very attractive and highly desirable WWII spy pistol. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4.
Caliber/Bore
.22 Long Rifle
Manufacturer
(Gun) Hi-Standard (Silencer) TL Guns and Manufacturing
Model
(Gun) H-D (Silencer) CDH
Paperwork
Records, Provenance
Serial Number
(Gun) 129990 (Silencer) 90