June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
The M marking before the serial number indicated that this Colt .380 had been checked at the factory to eliminate the defects that could cause malfunctions. This same M can be found stamped on the bottom of the blued magazine, which is also stamped "CAL .380 COLT". During the 1940's, Colt was getting complaints from the military that there was a problem with the magazines and the extractors. Starting March 17th of 1945, all yet un-issued pistols were sent back to the factory where the magazines were corrected and pistols were checked. All new production pistols were also checked and marked with the M markings. It is estimated that half of the military .380 pistols were given the M markings. This is a standard military model with the dark parkerized finish. Left side of frame has the Ordnance wheel stamp. Right side of frame is stamped "U.S. PROPERTY". Features the flat top rear sight, small serrated front sight and silver medallion checkered walnut grips. Serial No. 136714 was issued on 8-14-1961 to Major Benjamin Franklin Evans Jr. Pistol remains in near new condition inside and out with a little wear on trigger, a couple of very minor storage marks. Comes in an original military cardboard box with shooting instructions, original cleaning brush, paper, and two wrapped blued magazines both stamped with M and "CAL. .380 COLT". This comes with a copy of the original sales record to Major Evans dated 8-14-61. A beautiful, scarce, near mint boxed M series general officer's .380 pistol with all accessories. Major General Evans Platoon Commander 27th Infantry Regiment 1940-42, Battalion Executive Officer, 27th Infantry Regiment 1942, S-3, 27th Infantry Regiment at Guadalcanal 1942-43, Battalion Commander, 27th Infantry Regiment, New Georgia 1943, Executive Officer, 27th Infantry Regiment 1943-44, S-3, 25th Infantry Division 1944, Served with Operations Division, War Department 1944-46. Received Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Service Medal.
CORRECTION: These were parkerized by arsenal refinished after "m" inspection and upgrade.