November 5th & 6th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2016
With trouble brewing all over the globe, the 1911 officially adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911, but production didn't begin until 1912. This pistol dates to the second year of production. Left side of frame has the "W.G.P." in circle (Walter Penfield, 1911 to 1914). Left side is also stamped "United States Property". Slide has the early style marking, proper for era; has pony at rear of slide, not in circle. The early markings have the serifs; the serifs with non-circled pony start at serial number 20000. Has the first type rounded rear sight and small front. Early barrel, blued and stamped "PH" perpendicular at breech with no serifs. Other features include, short checkered wide spur hammer, smooth flat mainspring housing with loop, checkered slide stop and safety, long smooth trigger, and diamond checkered walnut grips. Front grip strap has turned a grey patina, as has mainspring housing. Balance of frame shows high edge wear, retaining approximately 75% of the factory blue finish. Diamond checkered walnut grips are excellent; smoothing out at base. Comes with a lanyard loop two tone magazine with no key hole as well as two later pre-war two-toned magazines with no markings; excellent condition. Housed in a custom case and comes with a 1917 dated holster, web belt, sealed 1916 first aid packet in pouch, double canvas magazine carrier marked "Mills 1917", and reproduction paperwork on this model. Very good bore and fine action. Given their hard use, it is extremely difficult to find early U.S. Army models in fine all original condition, and this is an excellent example of such.