July 13-15, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2021
Clawson notes that there are known series of pistols where Colt repurposed commercial slides for the war effort, peening out the Commercial information on the frames and restamping them appropriately. Half moon front sight, U notch rear sight, with "P" in front of rear sight. "COLT // AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 45 // (PONY)", left side with 2 line 1 block patent and address information. Slide is correctly renumbered under the firing pin retaining plate to correct military numbering, and has vacant slot for Swartz safety, removed when transferred into military use. Barrel marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on lower left side of chamber, "P" on left lug, "G" in front. Top of frame bridle with "S" and vacant hole for frame portion of Swartz safety. Left side with "G.H.D" proof above finger clearance cuts, "P" proof near magazine release. Right side with "UNITED STATES PROPERTY", serial number, and "M1911A1 U.S.ARMY". Distinct areas of distress visible where commercial markings on frame were removed by Colt. Checkered spurred hammer, safety, magazine release, slide stop. Long 1911A1 grip safety, arrched knurled mainspring housing with lanyard loop. Full blue Colt commercial magazine. Scoop lightened Coltwood grips with thick reinforcing rings. Housed in a modern kraft box with Ithaca ink stamp on top. CONDITION: Very good, Retaining the nearly all of the parkerized finish with some minor marks from handling from use. Slight takedown mark that goes down into finger clearance cut. Some minor silvering to reciprocating areas. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is very good with strong rifling and some light frosting at edges of lands. Box is fine as contemporary. EW