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Rare Shanghai Police Shipped Colt Model 1908 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Rare Shanghai Police Shipped Colt Model 1908 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter
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Estimate: $1000 - 1500
Manufactured in 1925 and was one of 1,200 pistol shipped to the Shanghai Municipal Police. The left side of the slide is marked with the two line address/patent dates, the right side is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 380 Hammerless and the left side of the frame is marked "SHANGHAI MUNICIPAL POLICE" above "No 98". The right side of the slide is also marked "98". A spring device has been added to the right side of the slide (purpose unknown), which obscures part of the address/patent marking and the safety is locked out by means of a screw, which was done as part of the departments training by Colonel Fairbairn who didn't trust safeties and trained the police department to cock on the draw instead of leaving a round in the chamber with the safety on. Fairbairn joined the Shanghai Police Department in 1907. He trained the police members as well as U.K., U.S. and Canadian commando forces in both World Wars and the U.S. Special Forces in World War II. The pistol is fitted with checkered walnut grips with silver medallions, a lanyard ring on the left heel and a blue "CAL. 380 / COLT" marked blue magazine. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, barrel length is blank, blue finish, checkered wood grips, factory engraved "Shanghai Municipal Police, the number "98" on the right side of the receiver and that it was shipped to China & Japan Co., New York, N.Y. on July 20, 1925. In remarks it states "We have no explanation of the device mentioned in your letter. We have no records of firearms altered or repaired at a later date."
BBL: 3 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 380 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 88320
Condition: Good. The pistol retains 90% of the original dull blue finish with a smooth mottled gray patina on the grip safety, bright edge wear on the slide and overall minor pitting. The grips are also good showing some heavy wear, a few minor dings and dents and the remaining checkering is crisp. The markings are clear. The action is fine. These pistols were used as a duty weapon and often saw heavy use.