November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Clawson notes that the Navy ordered 3,636 pistols which were shipped to Sewalls Point, VA, starting in November 1939, of which this pistol falls into the correct range. Half moon front sight, U notch flat top rear sight. "P" proof in front of rear sight oriented to read with muzzle up. Left side of slide with correct 2 line 2 block patent and address information with intercepting pony. Appropriately numbered to frame under the firing pin retaining plate. Barrel marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on lower left side of chamber, "P" on left side of lug, "G" in front of lug. Top of frame marked "G" and "R" in circle for Charles S. Reed. Feed ramp appropriately in the white after being machined. Left side of frame with "P" and "H" proofs near checkered magazine release. Trigger guard with "P" and Colt "VP" proofs on left side, "60" on right. Right side of frame with "M1911A1 U.S. ARMY" in front of slide pin, "UNITED STATES PROPERTY / (serial number)" behind pin. Small parts comprise spurred checkered hammer (appropriately reduced as per contract), thick tab checkered safety, checkered slide release, long 1911A1 grip safety, checkered arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, checkered magazine release, checkered short trigger, and full checkered walnut grips. 2 tone magazine. CONDITION: Fantastic, retaining virtually all of the Colt factory bluing with some very minor spots of oxidation (one somewhat larger spot of the left side of slide), and some patina to front strap consistent with use. Some very minor marks from handling and storage. Very light takedown mark. Mechanically fine, bore is excellent with strong rifling. Finding Navy pistols in this kind of condition is extraordinarily difficult as most saw hard use aboard ships. This is a top tier example that would be extremely difficult to beat. EMW