GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT COLT MODEL 1908 GENERAL OFFICER'S PISTOL CALIBER 380.COLT1908136079380MODERN; C&RCal. 380 ACP. Blue finish U.S. property marked General Officer's pistol. Issued to Brigadier General John F. Egan, United States Army Air Corps. Egan was a Mustang General enlisting in World War I as a private and honorably discharged at the end of hostilities as a P.F.C. Re-enlisting and following an Army career in aviation eventually making Brigadier General and commanding troops in the China-Burma-India theater. Bright blue finish with checkered walnut grips with rampant Colt medallions. Engraved on left side of pistol "John F. Egan, B/G, U.S.A.F." with correct brown leather with gold snaps and rivets General Officer's holster. Additional items included in this lot are a silver presentation pitcher (8 3/4" H X 9 1/2" across including handle) presented to then "Lieut. John F. Egan from First Pursuit Group June 19, 1928" and is so inscribed on the cup. Also included is a Gold pilots ring in original box which was the personal property of, and worn by John F. Egan. The ring depicts in relief a Bi-plane in flight on either side below pilots wings, with relief letters surrounding feathered wings in the center. The letters read, "VOLABAMUS VOLAMUS" ("Fly Fly"). Another item in this lot is a 7" wingspan desktop chrome plated rendition of a Curtis P-40 fighter plane in flight, in fine detail complete with U.S. Stars in color on the wings. There is also an original "Eastern Air Command Personalities" booklet which identifies in photos and several brief paragraphs the senior officers serving in that command from 15 Dec 1943 - 15 Dec 1944, including "Brigadier General J.F. Egan", as well other American and British officers. Finally, included is a signed statement from the consignor stating that he acquired these items purchased in an estate sale held at John F. Egan's home in 2002. CONDITION: Very fine overall with slight edge wear. Several very minor spots of pitting on left side from being in holster. Excellent bore and mechanics. Grips are very fine with no cracks, chips or material loss whatsoever. General Officer's brown leather holster is exceptionally fine as leather is still supple with only small amounts of wear. A very fine specimen and an interesting and historically significant U.S. aviation related handgun. The silver pitcher is extremely fine, shiny and attractive, without any dents or scuffs. The ring has some slight brassing as one would expect of a ring worn daily, but very attractive. The P-40 desktop model is also in extremely fine condition, shiny and attractive. The 10" x 7 1/2" booklet rates fair to goo with some wear to corners and staining, but the pictures are clear and the text completely legible. This is an exceeding unique and attractive offering of personal items from a significant American pilot who served in both WW1 and WW2 and distinguished himself in the air as well as pioneering air tactics which involved flying straight at buildings, releasing bombs and pulling up at last minute so the bombs would strike the buildings horizontally. 50599-1 TDW (2,500-5,000)