GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXTREMELY FINE "BLACK ARMY" COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO MILITARY PISTOLCOLT191115080945 ACPMODERN; C&RCal. 45 ACP. Fine "Black Army" 1911 with orig 5" bbl that has “PH” proofs parallel with axis of bore. Slide has usual markings with “1913″ the last patent date, Rampant Colt at left rear end of slide & orig fixed sights. Right side of slide has usual “U.S. ARMY” markings. Frame has “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” at left front side & the “GHS” (Gilbert H. Stewart) inspector initials just above the magazine release. Fitted with straight mainspring housing, long hammer spur & short grip safety spur. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by an orig lanyard loop, 2-tone magazine. Accompanied by a "US" marked Cavalry style swivel holster dated 1915, marked on the flap "B46" stamped upside down over "B33". Inside the flap is marked in ink in 2 places "Lt T. Glover / Tank Corps / U.S.A." Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this pistol in cal .45 with 5" bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Commanding Officer Rock Island Arsenal on May 23, 1917, in a shipment of 786 pistols. This pistol was produced in the 1st contract of 1917 and virtually all pistols from that contract were issued & saw hard service through remainder of WWI, WWII and Korea. The brushed black finish found on these pistols is rather soft and easily worn. They remained in service into the 1960′s & 1970′s before being replaced by the Beretta 9 mm. Rarely is one found in such fine orig condition. PROVENANCE: Doug Smith Collection; The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Extraordinarily fine. Overall retains about 99% strong orig factory brushed blue/black finish with only the most faint of muzzle edge wear from simply being handled over the years. Overall appears to be new & unfired. Grips are crisp with one or two chipped diamonds and show very light diamond point wear, again from simple handling. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Holster is fine with some finish fading on the flap showing light soil and wear, missing the leg strap. 49312-26 JR (9,000-12,000)