May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
Manufactured in 1918. This gun was consigned by the family (name sake ) of 1st Lt. (at the time of battle) James Alexander Crothers who was with the 808th Pioneer infantry. It is accompanied by his Officer's Record book by name with his wife's name and address as well. There is a hand written note on back page written by Major DeBoe praising his steadfast service while under heavy enemy fire at the Meuse-Argonne offensive fought from September 26 – November 11, 1918, " with a high degree of efficiency and fidelity of duty under the worst trying conditions". The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was part of the final Allied offensive of World War I. It was one of the attacks that brought an end to the War. James was born in Cecil County, Md. in 1893. Graduated from Delaware College in 1916 with a B.S. in civil engineering. Served as Corporal with the 1st Delaware Infantry while serving on the Mexican border, 1916-1917. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry, 1917. Served overseas in World War I with the 808th Pioneer Infantry, 1918-1919. Retired from the Reserves with the rank of Brigadier General. The gun itself is a standard US issue Army with MODEL OF 1911 US ARMY on right side of slide. Left side of frame reads UNITED STATES PROPERTY. Features a long smooth trigger, flat main spring housing with loop, checkered wide spur hammer, double diamond checkered walnut grips, checkered slide stop and safety, bevel edge U-notch rear sight, JMG (John M. Gilbert) inspector stamp on left side of frame with visible HP barrel stamp. Magazine is not marked. CONDITION: Good. This gun appears as one should having seen such heavy service. There are flashes of original blue remaining. All of the legends are crisp. Pistol is basically a brown patina with an overall freckled appearance. The grips are solid but show wear. The bore is defined with abrasion. A family treasure for over 100 years associated with the horrific battle that ended the first World War.
Paperwork
Officer Record Book