October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/1/2018
This British World War I Colt is easily identified by its "W" serial number prefix and its .455 caliber. The British Government purchased these commercial pistols from 1915 through 1919; 5,000 of which were manufactured in 1918, the largest order up to that point. Many of these were issued to the RAF, some of which were marked while others were not. Features Type II beveled rear sight, small front sight, wide checkered spur hammer, checkered slide stop and safety, flat mainspring housing with lanyard ring, diamond truncated checkered walnut stocks, lanyard loop magazine stamped "CAL 455 ELEY". British inspection stamp on left side of frame "G2A". Stamped "GOVERNMENT MODEL" on right side of frame. Left side of slide has August 19th, 1913 last patent date with Colt address and rear pony. Right side of slide stamped "COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE 455". Crown over"G2" inspector stamp on right side of frame stood for G. Steadman, who was the principal chief British Government inspector for 1911s at this time. The barrel is not marked with caliber, both .45 ACP and .455 Eley cartridges fit; we would suggest a visit to a gunsmith before firing. Left side of frame has the British broad arrows. Markings are sharp. CONDITION: Flat mainspring housing is brown patina. 98% of the reapplied blue finish on frame and slide. Very good grips. Bore is frosted. Magazine has been refinished. Good representative example and a great restoration project.