December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Shipped in June 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, no Rampant Colt observed. There is a small British broad arrow proof on the inside of the slide, near the firing pin channel. Right side of slide with "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 45". Barrel is only marked with an illegible stamp in front of lug, looks like it may be a "T". Frame with "GOVERNMENT MODEL / C 42087". Checkered spur hammer, left side only safety with relief mill cut, 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. 2-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 a Swedish Lahti holster that has clearly been with this gun for some time. CONDITION: Good, with evidence of a chemical homogenization throughout, mixed with what appears to be the original blue in protected areas. Scattered areas of oxidation and heavy use such as under slide release, rear of frame, normal for these guns. Grip straps are essentially silver, with silvering to high edges and towards muzzle consistent with holster use. Bore with strong rifling and frosting in grooves. Holster is very good, supple, with some crazing to leather and 1 belt strap replaced, but stitching is tight and serviceable. EMW
Model
1911 Russian contract
Paperwork
Copy of Colt Letter