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AUCTION ITEM
Premiere Firearms Auction (April 25, 26 & 27 2009)
Lot #: 1753
Estimated Price: $11,000 - $14,000
Rare Colt/Springfield Armory Reference Model 1911 Pistol
LOT SOLD
Serial #: 125578 Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1911 Type: Pistol
Gauge: 45 ACP Catalog Page: 57
Barrel Length: 5 inch round Finish: blue
Grip: walnut checkered Stock: N/A
Sell Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009
Condition Rating:  
Description: A very rare example of one of twenty Colt M1911 pistols shipped to Springfield Armory on June 1, 1912, as reference models for production of the M1911 by Springfield. The pistols were used by Springfield Armory to establish dimensions and tolerances for M1911 components. These dimensions were utilized by Springfield to prepare the "Standard Ordnance Drawings" required for manufacturing. The twenty reference M1911s were not serial numbered by Colt and were marked (and finished) with serial numbers 125567-125586 by the Springfield Armory on October 8, 1915. These unique M1911 Colt/Springfield pistols are described on pages 187 and 188 of "U.S. MILITARY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS 1894-1920" by Edward S. Meadows and on page 102 of "COLT .45 SERVICE PISTOLS" by Charles Clawson. The pistol has the distinctive Springfield Armory low-luster blue finish. It retains the Colt checkered walnut grips, the correct early Colt second type barrel stamped on the hood of the barrel with the horizontal "H" with seriffs and early production Colt two-tone 'key hole' magazine with lanyard loop floor plate. The pistol is fitted with the early, rounded profile rear sight but has the long hammer adopted in 1914. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the 1897-1911 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the two-line Hartford address; the encircled Rampant Colt trademark is located behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide is marked: "MODEL OF 1911 U.S.ARMY" in one line. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. The serial number "No 125578" is stamped on the right side of the frame behind the slide stop hole. An "H" Colt provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop, on the top of the frame in front of the disconnector hole and on the end of the barrel extension. An "R" assembler's mark is stamped on the top of the frame to the right of the disconnector hole. The pistol, properly, is not stamped with an Ordnance final inspection mark (as it was not issued to troops.) This pistol was inspected by Mr. Edward Scott Meadows and his opinion letter is included. In the letter Meadows states that in his opinion this is one of twenty pistols sent as reference samples from Colt to Springfield Armory in June of 1912 in order to facilitate the manufacture of the pistol at the armory. They were not government property therefore not serial numbered or inspected. In 1915 the Ordnance Department authorized purchase of the pistols at which time they were assigned serial numbers 125567 through 125586. Meadows also states it is his opinion that the pistol was refinished at the armory when the serial number was applied, the numbers appear correct in size and style of the Springfield Armory numbers, the slide stop is of Springfield manufacture, "S" marked, that the hammer has been replaced as it is of the long spur which was not introduced until 1914 and in summary states "even though the pistol is not in the same configuration as when sent from Colt to Springfield, the deviations noted can be explained in light of the history and use of the pistol. Consequently, though not factory original, it remains a scarce and interesting variation of the Model 1911 pistol."
Condition: Excellent. The pistol retains more than 95% of the correct Springfield Armory blue finish. Wear is limited to some thinning on the grip strap and the main spring housing and some edge wear on the forward edge of the slide and frame. The barrel retains nearly 95% of the original blue finish and the bore is bright. The oil-finished walnut grips are in excellent condition with sharp checkering. The grip screws retain about 50% of the blue finish. The markings on the frame and slide are crisp. The rare, saw-cut, 'key-hole' magazine is in excellent condition and retains 95% or more of the original, two-tone, finish. This is an outstanding example of one of the twenty Colt M1911 pistols used as reference models for the Springfield Armory M1911. This pistol would enhance the most advanced Colt M1911/M1911A1 collection.
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