May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2020
Manufactured 1916. Commercial blue finish with diamond pattern checkered walnut grips. One of only 15,000 without Cyrillic Russian designation on frame. Documented with Colt factory letter indicating 1 of 2000 gun shipment March 3rd 1916 to "His Britannic Majesty's Government" for Russian Government. These US produced guns were purchased through the British government with credit backed with gold in Russia. Most were then shipped to the Russian seaports at Archangel or Murmansk for distribution to Russian troops. These guns saw World War I service with Russian troops and one is identified as having been used in the assassination of the Russian Czar's family. Very few examples have ever made it to the United States and those that have are typically in poor condition. CONDITION: Very fine with over 85% of the bright commercial finish remaining with typical wear at grip straps and leading edges of slide from holster use. Bore is very fine as are grips. Action operates properly. A small import mark on butt is marked "SIMPSON LIMITED". Comes with proper two tone lanyard loop magazine. Accompanied by Colt factory letter. These rare guns are discussed in great detail by Charles Clawson in his treatise of "THE COLT .45 SERVICE PISTOLS". TDW