April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
At the outset of the First World War, the Prime Minister of England appointed Lord Kitchener Secretary of State for War. He was also the Commander of the British Army in the Sudan War of 1898 and commanded at the Battle of Omdurman in which the young Winston Churchill fought. Lord Kitchener died aboard the HMS Hampshire when it struck a mine laid by German U-Boat 75 in 1916 near the Orkney Islands. His body was never recovered and only 12 men survived of the 737 on board. According to many sources, he was known in the military and political worlds simply as "K". The top of this brown leather English case is branded with a bold "K". According the the accompanying Colt letter, the pistol was shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company in Chicago, where is was then presumably sent to an English retailer, as it has British proofmarks throughout. The pistol is also accompanied by a letter from renowned British-proofed Colt collector Gene Simon of California, who sold the piece in 1988. It is complete with a typed display card containing information on Kitchener and the bottom with a note "SORRY...NOT FOR SALE." The pistol itself is standard Model 1908 Hammerless Pocket, featuring high-polish Colt blue finish and a British view proof at the back of the slide on the left side. There are also British view and proof marks at the breech of the barrel. The pistol is complete with a rare brown leather and oak English case with gilt brass lock on the front. The partitioned interior is lined with blue velour. Inside of lid displays a blue and gold retailer label embossed "LONDON./J. HALDEN & Co./MANCHESTER." Accessories include case key, oil bottle, blued cleaning rod, extra Colt two tone magazine and a full box of Kynoch .25 caliber bullets. CONDITION: Pistol retains about 90-95% of its original bright Colt blue finish with some edge wear on slide with some thinning from carrying. Retains nearly all of slightly darkened case colors. Functions properly and action is strong, bore excellent. Grips very good showing little wear. Case excellent, leather shows some light scuffs. Interior very good showing some impressions to velour from contents. Accessories very good. A very historic and rare cased Colt .25 semi-automatic pistol. DMG
Model
1908 Hammerless Pocket
Paperwork
Colt Letter, Gene Simon letter