September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
As per the included copy of a Colt letter, this pistol was shipped as part of a shipment of 2,500 on March 31st, 1916, directly to the Russian Government. These pistols were produced in 2 distinct variations, one as standard Government Models, and the other with special Cyrillic markings on the dust cover that translate to "English Make"; those marks typically appear on numbers above 50,000, and are not present on this gun. 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. Standard configuration parts include half-moon front sight, U-notch rear sight, 2 line 2 block patent and address information on left side of slide, with uncircled Rampant Colt at the rear of the slide, right side with Colt caliber information. Frame with "GOVERNMENT MODEL", serial number, and small subinspections. Spurred checkered hammer, checkered slide release with milled relief area, checkered thin tab safety with milled area, long milled trigger, checkered magazine release, short 1911 grip safety, smooth flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, checkered walnut grip scales. 2-tone magazine. CONDITION: Overall very good, retaining the majority, approximately 60-70% of the Colt bluing, with silvering and handling marks throughout, concentrated to slide. Typical takedown mark and pings around slide release from improper installation. Appropriate distension around proofs from application of stamp. Straps have thinning and silvering throughout, consistent with the heavy use these pistols underwent. Grips appear to be period replacements. Mechanically fine, excepting occasional tendency to hammer follow, bore is excellent with strong rifling and some mild frosting. No import mark observed. This is a very good example of a very scarce pistol.
Paperwork
Copy of Factory Letter