April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Manufactured in May 1916 as per factory letter from Colt. Russia funneled most of the purchases through Britain, which were marked in Cyrillic on the dust cover; this gun is not marked as such and the letter indicates shipment straight to Russia. 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 40159". Checkered spur hammer, left side only safety with thick tab, slide release with relief mill cut, 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 double belt loops and double magazine pouch. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter listing this pistol by serial number as being shipped to Russia March 27th, 1916. CONDITION: Very good to excellent, particularly considering that most of these pistols are found in well used condition. Retains the vast majority of the factory blue finish with silvering to high edges and silvering at muzzle and dust cover consistent with holster wear. Normal marks from handling and operation throughout, including minor thin takedown mark. Magazine in commensurate condition. Grips are very good with no discernible cracks and one chip missing at bottom right bushing. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is very good with strong rifling and some frosting towards throat. There is a small import mark on the magazine well indicating import by Simpson Ltd, Galesburg, IL. Holster is good with tight stitching and supple leather. Most Russian Colt 1911s were very heavily used and finding them with this much condition is rare. EW