1974

WWII U.S. Property Marked Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol with British Proofs and A

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
WWII U.S. Property Marked Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol with British Proofs and A
Manufactured in 1942 and subsequently shipped to the British government under the Lend Lease program. The pistol has a parkerized finish and checkered walnut stocks with silver Colt medallions. The right side of the frame is marked "U.S. PROPERTY" over the "crown / BNP" Birmingham proof and crossed scepter proofmark. The opposite side has the serial number located above the trigger guard and a small Ordnance Corps escutcheon stamped at the rear of the frame behind the slide safety. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" and the opposite side of the slide is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A.MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A / PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. DEC. 22, 1903" with the Rampant Colt located behind the slide serrations. The Colt "VP" proofmark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The chamber of the barrel is marked with the Birmingham proof, ".32 .675 / 12 TONS PER (square symbol)". The blued magazine is marked "CAL 32 / COLT" on the bottom. Complete with the original British arsenal box numbered to the gun (marked twice on the lid with "No. E") with extra magazine (still wrapped), instructions, cleaning rod, and brush. Also included is a two page photocopied Headquarters Army Service Forces memo dated 12 September 1944 allocating 1,000 Colt Model 1903 pistols to the United Kingdom.
BBL: 3 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 32 ACP
Finish: parkerized
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 566232
Condition: Excellent plus, appearing unissued in original arsenal box. The pistol retains 99% plus original parkerized finish with some mild scratches. The grips are also excellent with some scattered minor nicks in the overall crisp checkering. The solid box is very fine with some minor stains.