June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Between 1915 and 1918, during World War I, Colt made contract pistols for the British Government. Serial number is prefixed with "W" and caliber is .455. It is estimated the British purchased 13,300 pistols during the war. Left side of frame is stamped "RAF" for Royal Air Force with all British proofs. Right side of frame is stamped "GOVERNMENT MODEL". Right side of slide is stamped "COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBER .455". Left side of slide is stamped with crossed swords. Features all early parts to include long smooth trigger, checkered wide spur hammer, checkered slide stop and safety, flat mainspring housing with loop, diamond checkered walnut grips, dull blue military style finish. Blued barrel is stamped ".455" with all tonne markings and a fine bore. Original five view hold pinned magazine stamped ".455 ELEY" with loop. Slide not numbered. Has a beveled edge rear sight and small blade front sight. Overall retains 85-90% of the dull arsenal applied blue finish. Diamond checkered walnut grips show usual wear. Slide shows overall high edge wear and usual small storage nicks. Sharp legends. Well-cared for RAF World War I military pistol. Scarce relic of the first World War air battles.