April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This is the first of three boxed Colt US Property General Officer's pistols that are sequentially numbered. This example bears the British proof marks on the right side of frame, slide and barrel. Left side of frame has the Ordnance wheel and "US PROPERTY". Checkered walnut grips have silver medallion. The first acquisition of .32 pocket autos came soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Of these first 2,000 .32 autos, half were turned over to the British Ministry of War; another 1,000 were sent to England in 1942. All three of these pistols were finished in the parkerized manner, which was common from serial number 562000 and on in 1944. This example has the proper era serrated front sight and is contained in its original craft paper box numbered on bottom and side in pencil with instruction manual and extra magazine. There is no "WB" inspector mark on left bow. Between December 12th, 1944 and February 22nd, 1945 a total of 5,216 pistols (556855-572043) were shipped to Springfield Armory. This pistol falls within 33 numbers of the additional 100 pistols sent to the British Special Operations executive, sent on December 15th, 1944. Given it is British proofed, it was more than likely included in that shipment than those sent to Springfield Armory. This pistol is standard in all other configurations including the checkered walnut grips. CONDITION: Aside from a light surface scratch on slide and a couple of minor handling marks, this pistol is in near new condition inside and out. Both magazines are proper full blued and stamped "CAL .32 COLT".
Accessories
Box, instructions & extra magazine