November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Rock Island Arsenal tested numerous pistols in the early phases of developing the M15, including the S&W Model 39 and Walther P.38. Colt shipped four Commander size, 9mm pistols marked on left side of slide, "Colt General Officer's Pistol/M1969-Cal. 9mm". Another seven pistols were built by Colt and given to Colt's sales department to hand out as gifts to military decision makers that were built on 38 Super frames with a different set of serial numbers. A total of two pistols were manufactured with serial numbers that began with 70BS. They were shipped on January 14, 1971. These pistols were made up on later 70 Series frames and given to Colt's military marketing people for sales samples. A total of sixteen test pistols were made using Colt frames and slides. Serial number 70BS1073 was the last shipment of five guns sent to military marketing department with blue finish and chambered in 9mm. All featured 4" barrels, 9mm caliber, trigger pull is 4-1/2" to 6-1/2" pounds, American walnut stocks, all steel construction, weight is 36 oz. This example features the Colt silver medallion non-checkered walnut grips with bobbed hammer and flat main spring housing with lanyard. This is considered a prototype, none were produced for presentation nor any list of military presentation. This rare pistol is in near new condition inside and out. Housed in a walnut display box with three magazines. To say that they are the rarest General Officer's pistol would be an understatement as in fact they are prototypes. Given the scarcity we could find no pricing structure for these rare guns as they are virtually impossible to obtain and would be a crown jewel in any U.S. Officer's pistol collection. Once in a lifetime opportunity. Comes with original Colt factory letter.