November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Manufactured in March 1916 as per factory letter from Colt. According to Clawson, Russia started acquiring 1911s in February 1916, making this an early shipment. Russia ultimately ended up funneling most of the purchases through Britain, which were marked in Cyrillic on the dust cover; as a direct shipment from Colt, this gun was not marked as such. Half-moon front sight, U notch flat top rear sight. 2 line 2 block patent dates and Colt information on left side of slide, Rampant Colt at rear of slide. Right side with "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 45". Frame with "GOVERNMENT MODEL / C 303558". Checkered spur hammer, left side only safety, slide release, and magazine release. Short 1911 grip safety, flat smooth mainspring housing with lanyard loop. 2 piece truncated diamond walnut grips. Two-tone magazine with lanyard loop. These rare guns were shipped into Murmansk and Archangel before distribution to Russian forces; beyond that little of their history is known, however, there is one account that a 1911 was used to kill the Romanovs. Accompanied by an unmarked leather holster with single belt loop and retaining nub; given the wear pattern, this 1911 has been in the holster for some time. Also accompanied by a scan of a Colt factory letter listing this pistol by serial number as being shipped to Russia March 31st, 1916. CONDITION: Good, considering that most of these pistols are found in well used condition. Retains approximately half of the factory blue finish with losses at high edges, grip straps, and across top of the slide, consistent with holster wear. Magazine in commensurate condition. Lower left grip screw marred but grips do not have discernible cracks. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is very good with strong rifling and heavy frosting. There is a small import mark on the magazine well indicating import by Simpson Ltd, Galesburg, IL. Holster is fair with crazing and areas of heavy rubbing. Toe has come loose and retained only by a few stitches; exercise caution. EW