June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
This pistol was manufactured in 1947. They are often referred to as the "pre-war/post-war transition guns" as they were being made up using leftover pre-war parts mixed with newly manufactured parts. This pistol features the post-war grooved arched mainspring housing, war-era third variation checkered hammer, pre-war checkered safety, post-war grooved slide stop, war-era brown checkered plastic grips with no K's, and post-war short grooved trigger. Hammer recess is stamped with an upside down "R". Right side of slide has the 1946-1955 slide stamp "Calibre" sans serif with pony. Blued barrel bears no stamps of any kind. The front grip strap retains about 80% original blue, blending with grey patina. Frame retains approximately 90% of the high polish commercial blue. Trigger guard has the verified proof "VP" with "R". Has the matte finish top of slide but frame is full blue. 50% wear on the grip safety. Visible takedown line. Slide has some visible high edge wear at muzzle with some minor wear 1" front left side. Has a Colt .45 Auto full blued magazine. Near mint bore. The pre-war/post-war had the shortest production run of any commercial Colt, as as such examples are extremely difficult to locate, especially in fine condition. A total of approximately 10,998 pistols were manufactured in 1946-47, immediately after commercial production was reintroduced.