June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
It isn't often that the complete trunk of World War I possessions comes to market as complete as this, accompanied by his scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1911 service pistol. This collection comes directly from the grandson of Lt. David M. Morgan. Verified by two newspaper articles that are included in this lot. Morgan hailed from Wisconsin and was sent to Ft. Sheridan in 1917, and was awarded the rank of 2nd Lieutenant where he was sent to the 118th Infantry Battalion 30th Division, which was a Civil War southern unit. He was then sent to Europe in May of 1918 and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and the leader of the division. He was immediately involved in trench warfare and was gassed soon after his arrival. He participated in two major operations in Europe - the Somme Offensive in France as well as the Ypres-Lys in Belgium. He fought in the second battle of Somme in 1918. Morgan was also part of the United States Army Air Service. Of course, the main value to this lot is the Springfield Model 1911. It is the personal history and possessions that takes this gun to the next level. This lot includes his personal military trunk with travel decals and the following lists of items: his original Army waistcoat with Lieutenant bars, infantry unit patch and collar lapels; joppers, everyday kepi, his dress hat, World War I doughboy helmet with same unit insignia painted on front, two rolls of legging wraps, ID'd canvas shoulder bag, dress leather leggings, John Brown shoulder dress belt, soft leather flying cap, 1917 G&K dated holster, John Brown type two piece leather dress magazine pouch with two extra period magazines, a Victory medal with battles "YPRES - LYS & SOMME OFFENSIVE" as well as "DEFENSIVE SECTOR" bars, military belt with canteen, holster and 1911 magazine pouch. Other items in the collection include two cigarette cases, both with his monogram, one has scratched notations of battles and stations and one still has two original cigarettes inside; original German Danzig pocket watch (not working), 1903 patented brass cigarette lighter, victory medal, brass compass inscribed "DMM" inside, Army Air Service wings, a sterling watch fob in the shape of a travel bag inscribed "Lt. DM Morgan, Wisconsin", person dog tag inscribed with name and "1st Lieutenant, 308th Infantry", two capture German belt buckles, and ID'd red cross personal kit that includes a comb, thread, needles and the Gospel of John; field message book. Papers include two newspapers, two 8"x10" photos showing Morgan wearing this jacket, John Brown belt, hat, joppers and legging wraps (recent copies); 1917 service record card, photograph of the captured San Quantin tunnel, one of captured German prisoners, a photo of General Pershing entering an automobile, 1910 dated telegraph, and two pictures of German fighter planes (one crashed). All items in very good to excellent condition. U.S. Springfield Manufacture 1911 service pistol manufactured 1915. Features distinctive checkered wide spur hammer, checkered slide spring and safety, smooth mainspring housing with loop, distinctive Springfield diamond checkered walnut grips. Left side of frame is stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" with Ordnance bomb stamped above magazine release. Left side of slide has three line patent date and is stamped "SPRINGFIELD ARMORY USA" with Ordnance bomb at left rear. Right side of slide has Springfield eagle and stamped "MODEL 1911 US ARMY". Blued barrel is simply stamped "P" on left lug. Has the Springfield specific magazine with rollover clips and loop. Slide retains approximately 50% blued finish, balance patina to silver. Frame has 80% matte blue finish. 70-75% overall original finish having seen use. Grips are very good to excellent. Fine bore and action. Every above listed item with this pistol rests in its original trunk. Excellent museum-quality military layout.
Accessories
Trunk of assorted inventory
Manufacturer
Springfield Armory