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Extremely Rare North American Arms Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare North American Arms Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol
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This is an extremely rare example of an original Model1911 semi-automatic pistol that was produced by the "North American Arms Company Limited" of Quebec Canada. In early July 1918, the U.S. Government issued a contract for 500,000 Model 1911 pistols to the North American Arms Co., of Quebec Canada. The North American Arms Company leased the Ross Rifle plant to actually do the manufacturing and as part of the contractual arrangement, the US Government was to supply all the raw materials. However due to the material shortages they were only able to supply enough material to produce approximately 100 sets of prototype or tool room parts, some of which were later assembled into completed pistols. Due to the Armistice, the contract was canceled in December of 1918 with no examples of completed pistols ever being accepted by the U.S. Government. However the U.S. Ordnance Salvage Board did accept/reclaim this large lot of parts and assemblies as part of the contract termination settlement and were later disposed of. These 100 pistols were uniquely marked with only a controlling serial number on the left rear section of the slide along with the factory markings also on the left side of the slide. This specific pistol is marked on the slide "MANUFACTURED BY/NORTH AMERICAN ARMS CO. LIMITED/QUEBEC CANADA" along with control number "86" on the rear section behind the serrations and the left side of the trigger, and the left, lower rear corner of the frame under the grip. The pistol itself is nicely machined and produced, the configuration of the parts and components are identical to the standard Colt Model 1911 models. The pistols itself is very well machined, polished and assembled unlike others we have seen, which may indicate this as actually being one of the factory produced and assembly models. The hammer is a wide version very similar to the Colt production models except it is without any checkering on the spur. The grip panels are the standard checkered walnut versions and not the bakelite versions. The magazine is a blued half-tone pattern like the Colt versions.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 86
Condition: Very fine with 70% plus correct original copper washed dark blue finish remaining overall with the balance of the finish (mostly on the sides of the slide and grip straps) having flaked off. This was a very common occurrence with this type of finish. The walnut grips are excellent overall, with nice distinct checkered diamonds on both sides with only minor handling marks. The markings are clear and sharp, with matching control/serial number "86" on the slide, frame and trigger, this super rare North American Arms Model 1911 has a completely original unaltered finish. With the extremely limited number of example actually produced, don't miss out on this rare pistol.