April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This pistol dates to the second full year of production. The slide does not have the 1912 patent date. Pony is stamped in a circle on left rear. Left side of frame has "WP" in circle inspector for Walter Penfield (1911-1914). This extremely early US pistol has all the early type features including small front sight, half moon shaped U notch rear sight, short checkered wide spur hammer, long smooth trigger, checkered slide stop and safety, flat mainspring housing with loop, and diamond checkered walnut grips. Magazine is a punch and line type, referred to by collectors as a "Keyhole" magazine with two tone temper line and lanyard ring. Left side of frame is stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY". Right side of slide is stamped "MODEL OF 1911 US ARMY". Barrel is an early World War I blued type but not correct for period as it has the intertwined "HP" inspector stamp. CONDITION: Outstanding. Slide has high outside wear on front and back with razor sharp edges and legends; safely 98%. Dent on left ear of rear sight. Straps on frame are thinning to blue-grey patina. Balance of frame retains nearly all of the remaining factory blue finish. Dark, rich, near mint grips with sharp checkering. Magazine is in excellent condition with no cracks. Beautiful bore and fine action. An exceptional condition, very early US Colt. It would be hard to find a better example.