3732

General Officers Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol Rig Issued To Brigadier Gen

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
General Officers Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol Rig Issued To Brigadier Gen
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
This General Officers Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless was issued to Brigadier General John A. Hoefling and comes with the Department of The Army certificate of ownership letter from the Headquarters U.S. Army Weapons Command, dated 11 September 1970. Included in this lot is one original black leather General Officer's holster for the 1903 pistol, a black leather belt with the gold plated General Officer's buckle, a double leather magazine pouch (with no extra magazines) and a box of Remington 32 ACP ammunition. General Hoefling started his military career during the Korean War where he commanded a rifle company. During this tour of duty he received the silver star among other decorations. After the Korean War he held several positions, at the Company level that eventually lead to him being the Battalion commander of the 101st Airborne Division. After this assignment he was assigned as a Logistics Officer at the Pentagon as well as within NATO. In 1965/66 he graduated from the U.S. Army War College and stayed on as a member of the staff faculty until 1968. After leaving the U.S. Army War College he did a tour in Vietnam where he commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. During his tour in Vietnam he survived two helicopter crashes. After his tour in Vietnam he was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division, eventually retired as a Major General in charge of the U.S. Army's Foreign Military Sales. During his distinguished military career he received, two master degrees, along with an advance degree from Harvard. Thirty combat decorations, to include two Silver Stars, five Bronze Star Awards, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a double Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB), the Soldier's Medal, and three Legion Of Merit Awards. This pistol was manufactured in approximately 1942 and was awarded to him in September 1970. In addition the serial number of this exact pistol is listed in the book "The Colt U.S. General Officer's Pistol" by Greeley. The left side of the slide is marked with the two line address/1897, 1903 patent dates, with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations and the right side is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The left side of the frame is marked "U.S. PROPERTY" and the serial number is on the right side of the frame. The pistol is parkerized, has the standard fixed sights, has a blued Colt marked magazine and is fitted with checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions. Accompanying this pistol is a hand written note detailing some of his military career, and the original U.S. Government ownership letter issuing this pistol to BG Hoefling.
BBL: 3 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 32 ACP
Finish: parkerized
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 566662
Condition: Arsenal refurbished with 98% of a late gray Arsenal parkerized finish with only very minor edge and high spot wear overall, with just a hint of wear on the front edges of the slide from being in the holster. The grips are very good overall with nice defined checkering on both sides, with some minor wear, and light pressure dings from use. The markings are clear and sharp. There is some very light rust just starting to form on the grip safety and the pistol could use a good cleaning overall. The General Officers holster, belt and double magazine pouch are also in very good condition with nice tight stitching on all three items, showing minor scuffing and light wear from actual use. Obviously the General wore this rig and carried the pistol during his service. The box of ammunition is missing 8 rounds. A very nice all original General Officer's pistol rig with a nice history on General Hoefling.