June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Given the fact that the Model 1911's issued in 1917 were generally heavily used during the first World War, were recalled and rebuilt for World War II, Korea and Vietnam. It is always a wonder when an original 1917 surfaces that has seen little to know use and has never been altered or updated. This is such an example. Left side of frame is stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and has the "GHS" inspector stamp on left side for Gilbert H. Stewart - 1915 to 1918. Right side of slide is stamped "MODEL OF 1911 US ARMY". Left side of slide has the patent dates and the standing pony at rear. Has all the correct parts for a 1917 manufactured gun to include correct sights, milled long pull smooth trigger, flat mainspring housing with lanyard, wide spur checkered hammer, checkered slide stop and safety, diamond checkered walnut grips. As to condition; slide retains 98% original military blue finish with slight line on lower front from being cocked, but barely has even a hint of muzzle wear. Frame retains 98% original factory blue with a touch of high edge wear at forward part of frame. Grip safety has 99% blue. Mainspring housing has one spot of wear and slight wear at high edge. Diamond checkered walnut grips are near mint with no chips. Has a near mint proper tempered two tone magazine with pin base and no stamp. Blued barrel retains 98% original finish. Top of barrel is stamped "HP" which is in line with bore. Mint bore. It would be nearly impossible to find a higher condition, all original Model 1911 manufactured in 1917. Any pistol in higher condition than this without the usual minor wear would have to be suspect, as it would be virtually impossible to find a crate-shipped military 1911 from this period that had literally no marks anywhere without being refinished. Un-improvable.