November 5th & 6th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2016
This pistol falls into the second army contract of 1900 of which 200 were manufactured from serial No. 1501-1700. Features standard blue finish with front slide serrations, nitre blue small parts, checkered walnut grips, case colored hammer and original rear sight safety. Left triggerguard is stamped "U.S." Right triggerguard stamped "R.A.C.". All legends are perfect, sharp edges, fine bore and action, excellent near mint grips, pistol retains approximately 70% of original factory high polish finish with the balance blending to gunmetal gray that appears to be mostly upholster wear, barrel retains most of its original high polish blue which would indicate very little actual use. As the US military was determining the future of semi automatic pistols for use by its military, these test pistols were went to the Philippines where they would endure the harshest conditions imaginable for a firearm evaluation. As a result, the majority of these pistols that have survived are in very worn condition. This pistol seems to have escaped the brunt of this abuse and appears to show more upholster wear than actual jungle wear. They are amongst the most desirable of all 20th century military pistols with total production numbers of less than the rare Singer model of WWII. They have earned a spot in any respectable US marshal collection. Even comes with the original patented 1884 nickel magazine. They are a remarkably scarce pistol with above average condition.