1601

Identified Scarce and Exceptional U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Semiautomatic Handguns Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Identified Scarce and Exceptional U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol
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Identified Scarce and Exceptional U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

This pistol was 1 of 1,000 shipped from the Colt factory to Rock Island Arsenal on November 4, 1916. This pistol was the property of LTC Hal S. Ray and was carried by him during his assignment as a Quartermaster in the American Expedition Force in France in 1918 and 1919. After World War I, LTC. Ray was an Executive for the Rock Island Railroad. The lot contains several copies of letters written by LTC Ray to his daughter, copies of photographs and orders. The pistol is a scarce example of the 4,214 Model 1911 pistols purchased by the Army in 1916. These pistol have the "S" provisional inspection mark of W.E. Strong rather than the "H" mark of Frank Hosmer found on most Colt Model 1911 pistols. The "S" is located on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop and on the top of the frame to the right of the disconnector hole. The pistol has a brush blue finish and is fitted with checkered walnut grips and a flat base two-tone magazine. The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY" ahead of the ejection port. The left side of the slide has the Colt 1897-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the Colt Hartford address in two lines. Markings have Roman letters with serifs. The Rampant Colt is located behind the slide serrations. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" is marked in small letters on the left side of the frame ahead of the trigger guard and the circular "GHS" monogram of Ordnance inspector MAJ. Gilbert H. Stewart is located above the magazine release. The serial number is located on the right side of the frame behind the slide stop hole. The blue barrel has an "S" stamped on the rear of the upper chamber lip and the left side of the barrel lug.

Manufacture: Colt
Model: 1911
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 135774

Excellent plus to near new. The pistol retains 99% plus original blue finish showing only minimal handling wear. The grips are near new with light handling/storage marks. Markings are crisp and sharp. Mechanically excellent. A very nice, example of a scarce 1916 production Colt Model 1911 pistol.