October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
From 1915 through 1919, Colt supplied Colt Model 1911 pistols to the British military, many of which made it to the RAF. The frames and magazines were a bit wider and the .455 marked magazine is not interchangeable. They were basically commercial models that have a 'W' prefix letter before the serial number. This example was made during this short period of time, shipped as part of the 1916 order. The only other difference in this gun from an American gun is the various English proofs and the caliber being .455 Eley which accounts for wider frame and magazine. This gun has the .455 stamped magazine with loop but the barrel is a standard .45 ACP barrel with no British proofs. All parts except barrel correct for 1916 including wide smooth trigger, diamond checkered walnut stocks, flat mainspring housing with loop, checkered slide stop and safety, beveled edge rear sight with U shaped notch, Colt pony at left rear of slide. Right side of slide is stamped Calibre 455. CONDITION: Like most English shipped guns, there are storage and shipping marks. The straps are grey patina while balance of gun is a solid 85% of the original commercial quality Colt blue finish. Nice condition and historic World War I Colt that only needs a correct barrel. DB