September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Beyond his iconic and groundbreaking Presidency, John F. Kennedy was a sportsman and firearms enthusiast, maintaining a sizable collection as well as a membership to the National Rifle Association. It is believed this flashy gold plated Colt M1903 pistol was among those in his collection as a young man. An included October 5, 1968 dated letter on Rod & Guns of Delray, Inc letterhead signed by Vice President John Kern records the sale of this gun described and listed by serial number to Roger Quisenberry, the gun having been traded in by James Darr of Kleiser's Sporting Goods who had received it as a gift from Kennedy in 1960, just before his Presidency. The letter details Darr as having known John F. Kennedy for many years while working for Kleiser's Sport Shop in Palm Beach, delivering fishing equipment, guns, and ammo to the Kennedy estate there. The letter described one such delivery in early 1960, where he was invited into the house where JFK was lounging on a raft in the pool and indicated that Darr could have this pistol as a "present for all your kindness and favors over the years." According to the letter, the pistol was originally a gift from his father, Joseph Kennedy when John graduated college and that he used to shoot it on the beach at the estate. Darr kept the gun for several years but eventually traded it for a new Remington 1100 to duck hunt with. An additional 1994 letter on Kleiser's Sport Shop letterhead confirms that Jimmy Darr worked there for 40 years and made numerous deliveries to the Kennedys, making friends with the family and also indicating "it is quite conceivable that Jack would give Jimmy the Colt pistol." Another 1994 letter from Jimmy Darr's widow Carolyn also confirms he made many deliveries to the Kennedy estate. After purchasing this special pistol, Roger Quisenberry retained it in his personal collection until his recent passing. The gun itself was manufactured circa 1908. It has been fully gold washed and fitted with smooth 2-piece pearl grips. The initials "J / K" are stamped on the right side of the frame. Although more famous for the use of "JFK", Kennedy is also known to have used the initials "JK". Otherwise standard for its vintage with half moon front sight, drift adjustable rear, early style barrel bushing, and 4" barrel. CONDITION: Very good overall. Approximately 95% gold plating remains with bubbling and flaking, especially along the high edges of the slide and near the muzzle. Grips are fine. Crisp, bright bore with light frosting throughout. Fine mechanics. Magazine appears to be replacement. A tremendous, very rare opportunity to acquire a historic JFK attributed firearm with period provenance.