September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Bob Hope was as famous for his front line USO tours beginning during the Second World War and through the Viet Nam war era as he was for his movies. These dangerous tours to the front made him one of the most beloved Hollywood stars of all time. In recognition for all he had done for the everyday soldier, Colt Firearms presented him with this one of a kind Colt Model 1911-A1 .45 Automatic. The two tone high polish blue .45 features nearly complete coverage hand engraving by the Dean of Colt American Engravers, Alvin Alexander White. Alvin signed this piece "A.A. W." inside the right grip frame. The pattern is the traditional bank note scroll with punch dot back ground. The right side of the slide has a gold inlay golf club and serial number USO-1. The left side of slide features a gold inlay distinguished rifle badge. In gold script, it reads "Distinguished Doughboy" and at rear of slide "USO" The right ivory grip panel has gold oval engraved "USO 1 by Colt Firearms" There is some like engraving at the base of the magazine. The special presentation case reads "TO BOB HOPE DISTINGUISHED DOUGHBOY AWARD NOVEMBER 22, 1980". Case is French fitted. CONDITION: Unfired.
ADDENDUM: A factory letter has been provided that confirms this pistol shipped as a 5" .45 ACP with blue finish, smooth ivory grips with gold inlaid panels inscribed "USO-1 by Colt Firearms", a custom cherry case with ivory accessories, and specially embellished with an infantryman badge, USO inscription, gold inlaid "Distinguished Doughboy", a gold club, and custom scrollwork, with special gold plaque for serial number, which is repeated on the butt. The engraving was done by A.A. White and is signed as such; there is also a note from Alivin White indicating he engraved the gun on November 22nd, 1980. It shipped on November 23rd, 1983, to B.J. Equine Enterprise & Guns, Orange, CA.