June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Manufactured in 1912. Left side of frame is stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY". Has the Walter G. Penfield inspector stamp on left side (1911-1914). This pistol numbers in the U.S. Navy serial range. Features proper trigger guard, diamond checkered walnut grips, high polish blue, checkered slide stop and safety, checkered wide stop trigger, left side of slide has the patent dated with the Colt pony and circle at rear. Has the pre-1913 patent date. It is the first model slide used from serial number 1 to 20,000 (proper). Right side of slide is stamped "MODEL 1911 U.S. NAVY" which is correct, with the proper style with serifs, but a couple of the letters are crooked which would indicate it was re-stamped in the proper font but done individually. Has the period two toned tempered magazine with lanyard at base and a later replaced barrel. Does not have the "H" inspector stamp. No stamp on lugs. Nice bore. Slide is a soft blue-grey patina with a wiped on finish look. Frame has traces of blue on the left side. Strong blue on the right side from trigger guard back. Some nice blue on trigger guard. Has the proper diamond checkered walnut grips in excellent condition. This was issued as a true Navy and while it has been re-stamped it would still be a good example to fill a collection or if one could find an original slide since it is numbered to the gun it is a true Navy numbered frame and all correct marked except it does not have a key hole magazine. The finish on the frame appears to be all original and has not been messed with, so if you have a Navy slide you could complete the ensemble.