May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2024
Manufactured in 1943 during World War II as part of a government contract with "U.S. PROPERTY" marking on the right side of frame. Parkerized wartime finish with standard 3 - 3/4" barrel, half moon front sight, and drift adjustable rear sight. Grips are checkered walnut with rampant Colt medallions. Housed in a Kraft box with manual, marked on the underside with a nonmatching serial number. A tag taped to the lid long also lists the correct serial number. Brunner lists this serial number as issued to WWII Major General Frank P. Williams at an unknown date and then reissued September 26, 1955, to Brigadier General Carlton K. Smith. Frank Price Williams was born in 1909 and enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1927, commissioned 2nd Lt. in the Officers Reserve Corps 1933, commanding communications platoon HQ company 168th Infantry in 1937. He served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of WWII. Williams returned to the Iowa Guard as Lt. Colonel January 1947 and was eventfully commissioned as Assistant Division Commander, 34th Infantry as Brigadier General April 1957, Commanding General of the 34th Division in 1962, Major General in 1963, and of the Commander Iowa Army National Guard Troop Command in 1968. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Order of the British Empire, Italian Military Valor Cross. Carlton Kimball Smith was born in 1901 and joined the Iowa National Guard in 1918, was promoted Captain in 1940 and organized anti-tank Battery G of the 185th Field Artillery, 34th Division. He served as commander of the 807th Tank Destroyer Battalion in Europe, which was attached to the 101st Airborne Division; 5th, 30th, 35th, 75th, 83d, 86th, 90th, 95th, 100th Infantry divisions; and 3rd Cavalry Group at different times. They fought in the Metz sector in September-November 1944, were involved in the Ardennes, fought the Nordwind Offensive, took part in the offensive to the Rhine and defense of the Rhine River bridges, and joined the drive through Bavaria. After the war, Smith commanded the 133rd Infantry Regiment as part of the Iowa National Guard, reached the rank of Brigadier General and deputy commander of the 34th Infantry Division in the National Guard, and then Major General upon retirement in 1958. His decorations include the Bronze and Silver Stars. CONDITION: Excellent, near new overall. Pistol retains nearly all of its factory finish with some faint high edge silvering and handling marks. Grips are fine with sharp checkering and a few minor marks. Fine bore with original paper protector. Box has some expected wear and is banded with very old tape. A truly outstanding, double issued general officers pistol.