GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
RARE AND UNIQUE COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL FROM THE COLLECTION OF RENOWNED AUTHOR AND FIREARMS EXPERT CHARLES W. CLAWSON.COLT191113080145ACPMODERNCal. 45 ACP. 5" bbl, full Parkerized finish. 2-pc checkered walnut grips with diamond pattern. SN is marked on right side of frame above trigger. Left side of frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY". Left side of slide shows standard 2-line Colt patent and address mark. Rampant Colt is stamped at the rear. Right side of slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY". Bbl shows "HP" proof marks. Mainspring housing is marked "2 FANYD 112". Mr. Clawson's research indicates that this SN was orig manufactured as a "RECEIVER ONLY". He also states on pg 312 of Colt .45 Service Pistols that Model 1911 SN range 125567 to 133186 were assigned to the Springfield Armory. Mr. Clawson believes these "receiver only" receivers were used and/or shipped on an "as needed" basis over a period of time to different government facilities. He also states SN 130801 is a complete arsenal assembled pistol. Mr. Clawson's research also states that the marking on the mainspring housing indicates use by the 2nd Field Artillery of the New York National Guard who were deployed along the US-Mexican border during the Mexican Punitive Expedition of 1916-1917. These examples are rarely encountered. Mr. Gahimer's letter references Mr. Clawson's books and research. Also included in this lot is a field strip inspection of this pistol by Mr. Gahimer showing all the parts as orig to this pistol. CONDITION: Very good. Pistol retains approximately 80% of the arsenal Parkerized re-finish. Markings are sharp and clear. Front sight has 3 notches cut at the rear. Grips are very good, intact with some small dents, especially on left side. All parts appear to be orig as manufactured by Springfield Armory. Bore is frosty with clear rifling, mechanics crisp. An opportunity to obtain a unique Colt Model 1911 pistol with provenance to the Mexican Punitive Expedition of 1916-17. 52971-1 TEP (4,500-6,500)