3508

Scarce Documented Private Purchase Early 1912 Production U.S. Military Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automati

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Scarce Documented Private Purchase Early 1912 Production U.S. Military Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automati
Manufactured in early 1912. The left side of the slide is marked in two line blocks "PATENTED APR. 20,1897 / SEPT. 9, 1902 DEC. 19, 1905, FEB.14, 1911" and "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The left side of the frame is marked " UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and with a circled "WGP" inspection mark of Major Walter G. Penfield. The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" and the frame with the serial number. Checkered slide stop, thumb safety, magazine release and hammer spur with a smooth trigger and backstrap. Blue barrel marked with a "P" on the left side of the lug and "F" just ahead of the lug. The top of the frame is marked with a "H" and "R" and the rear of the slide is marked with the letter "H" in the hammer well. Unmarked magazine with a lanyard loop on the bottom, lanyard loop on the heel and fitted with checkered walnut grips with diamond pattern around the screws. The pistol is accompanied by a copy of a document from the War Department, Office of The Chief of Ordnance, dated July 12, 1912 listing a number of Model 1911 pistols (issued and sold), including this pistol which is listed as being sold to Captain Alfred W. Bjornstad, 28th Infantry. There is also a Springfield Research Service typed letter dated June 26, 2004 giving a brief history of Bjornstad's military career which began when he entered the service during the Spanish-American War as a 1st Lieutenant in the 13th Minnesota Infantry. He was promoted to Captain of H Company on May 16, 1898, mustered out on October 3, 1899 after joining the 42nd Volunteer Infantry as a Captain on August 17, 1899. He was mustered out of that unit on June 24th, 1901 after joining the U.S. 29th Infantry as a 1st Lt. on February 2, 1901. The letter states that an internet query shows that he served at the rank of Brigadier General and Commander of the 53rd Infantry, 3rd Army Corps during WWI and a Colonel in Command of the 3rd U.S. Infantry from 1921 to 1923.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 2149
Condition: Fine. The pistol retains 40% original finish mixed with smooth brown and gray patina. Much of the original fire blue finish is present on the small components with areas of smooth brown. The barrel retains 75% original finish with streaks of smooth silver gray on the chamber and minimal wear on the balance. The grips are very good with a few minor dents, dings and scratches. The checkering on the left panel is sharp, the right panel shows some wear and the checkering is crisp. The markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.