Premier Firearms Auction #89

August 25, 2023 to August 27, 2023

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #89

August 25, 2023 to August 27, 2023

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-50 of 60 results

Lot 66

Colt First Generation Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army

Manufactured in early 1911, these Frontier Six Shooter Revolvers were very popular in the American West through the "Wild West" period and into the 20th century due to their ability to be paired with Winchester's lever actions that shared the same caliber. The top of the barrel has the single-line address and Frontier Six Shooter caliber marking on the left. The left side of the frame has the standard two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the factory documented one piece walnut grip has "13501" stamped on the butt. The assembly number "25" is stamped inside the loading gate. It is fitted with blade and groove sights and a smooth walnut grip which has been contoured slightly to better fit the hand. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as the wood grip and shipment to Abercrombie & Fitch in New York on 11 January 1911. They were one of the largest sporting goods suppliers in the country at the time.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine with Shoulder Stock

Lot 129

U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine with Stock

The Model 1855 pistol-carbines are one of only three handguns ever manufactured at Springfield; a distinction they share with the venerable Model 1911 semi-automatic and scarce U.S. Model 1817 flintlock. Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these dual purpose pistol-carbines. They were designed with cavalrymen, light artillery, and other troops that rifle-muskets were too cumbersome for. They were first issued to the U.S. 1st Cavalry in the antebellum era and saw use in the West, including with the 1st Dragoons in the Southwest where they were reported as not suitable for dragoon use due to 18 of 45 examples becoming unserviceable after just 4 months of service. They were innovative weapons but were soon made obsolete by improved breechloading carbines, but they were pressed back into service at the beginning of the Civil War, mainly in smaller quantities with units from the Midwest. This example has the standard blade front sight, three-leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards on the upper tang, "V/P/eagle head" proofs on the upper left at the breech, "1855" on the upper tang, "1856" on the tail of the lock, the eagle and shield motif on the Maynard primer door, "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" at the front of the lock, brass furniture, a cartouche on the left stock flat, "2" on the pommel, "7" on the stock collar, and "U.S." on the buttplate tang.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Extremely Fine Cased Patent Arms Manufacturing Co. "Colt Paterson" No. 2 Belt Model Percussion Revolver

Lot 169

Cased Colt Paterson No. 2 Belt Model Percussion Revolver

Samuel Colt's Patent Arms Manufacturing Company is very historic as the beginning of Colt's firearms career and as the manufacturer of the first practical commercial revolvers which set the stage for future innovation and the revolver's dominance as the primary handgun from the mid-19th century and into the 20th century where revolvers continued to be widely used alongside newer semi-automatic pistols like the Colt Model 1911. Colt patented the "Paterson" revolver design on February 16, 1836. Only a total of around 3,262 revolving firearms were manufactured by the company in 1836-1842. Of these, 2,350 were Colt's "revolving pistols." That number is then further divided into various models and sub-variants. This classic early Colt is a standard No. 2 Belt Model manufactured c. 1837 complete with an original case and suite of accessories. This revolver has two 5-shot cylinders with the centaur roll scene, a 4 1/2 inch barrel, straight burl walnut grip, and all matching serial numbers. The barrel has 11-groove, round bottom rifling, a small German silver front sight, and the "-Patent Arms Mg Co Paterson, N-J Colt's Pt.-" marking. The revolver comes in its original beveled mahogany case with burgundy velveteen lining, a Colt patent combination ball and powder flask (no. 24), loading tool, Colt's patent capper (no. 164), cleaning rod with turned walnut handle, .31 caliber ball mold with turned walnut handles, and a key. The case lid escutcheon is inscribed "Frederick/Earl of Rutland." This revolver was discovered by legendary collector Herb Glass Sr. in Europe in the 1960s and is accompanied by a 1962 letter from Glass offering the set to author Philip R. Phillips who wrote "Paterson Colt Pistol Variations" with co-author R.L. Wilson. The set instead became part of the famous A.I. McCroskie Collection where it remained until being sold to Greg Lampe in 2001. Provenance: Discovered in Europe by Herb Glass Sr. 1962; The A.I. "Mac" McCroskie Collection 2001; The Greg Lampe Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 267

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver

This revolver was featured in the included July 2008 issue of "America's 1st Freedom" by the NRA on pages 46-47 in "My Son Jesse's Pistol" which states "In the world of firearms collecting, few guns have associated excellent provenance= provenance being a clear and provable chain of custody from the original owner to the present. Jesse's mother; 'Zee' Samuel, lived another 30 years after Jesse's death, selling his guns, and even pebbles from his grave, almost until the day she died. But having this receipt and the gun together brings on that much closer to the widow Samuel's pistol - a Smith & Wesson .44 revolver she asserted belonged to her son, the infamous outlaw Jesse James." The article references the revolver being displayed in the National Firearms Museum's "Guns West!" exhibit. The revolver is featured on pages 6 and 7 of the included copy of the exhibition catalog "Guns West!: A Retrospective of the Old West" where it is listed as "Smith & Wesson New Model #3, sn 1984, .44 caliber This ivory-gripped, re-nickeled revolver is one of many known to have been sold by Jesse James's mother, Zerelda Samuel, in the 30 years between her son's death and her own in 1911. Accompanied by the original sales receipt. Collection of Jim Supica." The original handwritten receipt from "Mrs. Zerelda Samuel/JAMES FARM/KEARNY, MISSOURI" states: "Received $39.00 from Mr. C.B. Parsons of Lexington, Kentucky, for my son Jesse's pistol, Smith & West [sic] #1984 size 44 [signed] Zerelda Samuel." Mr. Parsons must have been delighted to receive his new treasure. The receipt is not dated but would have been prior to Zerelda Samuel's (1825-1911) death. Following Jesse's death, she hosted paid tours of the James farmhouse where she lost her arm and one of her sons from the bombing during the Pinkertons' raid in 1875. She would also offer to sell antique guns that she said belonged to Jesse. Prior to its relocation, she would allow tourists to visit Jesse's grave and purchase pebbles from the site which she regularly replaced from the stream. The revolver may have been manufactured in 1879-1880 given its fairly low serial number. The revolver has a pinned halfmoon blade front sight, the two-line patent marking on the rib, a notch rear sight, faint S&W trademark on the right side of the frame and "J. JAMES" stamped on the grip frame under the grips which appear to be polished bone. The name "A.H. RYAN" was similarly stamped on the grip frame of the Smith & Wesson Schofield attributed to Jesse James sold by Rock Island Auction in December 2022 (Catalog 87 Lot 1075) for $152,750. That marking may have been for James gang associate Andy Ryan. The current revolver comes in a fitted oak case. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Documented Special Order Factory Silver Plated Pre-World War II Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter

Lot 337

Factory Silver Plated Pre-WWII Colt Government Model Pistol

Manufactured in 1925, this is an incredibly scarce example of a factory silver plated Colt Government Model pistol, the only documented example the writer can recall. In all the Government Model shipping records listed in "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard, only two other pistols of this model are listed as having received silver finish (this pistol is not specifically listed), making this example incredibly scarce. The included factory letter confirms the caliber, barrel length, silver finish, and shipment to Murta Appleton & Co. in Philadelphia on 23 September 1925 in a single gun shipment. The letter does not list the grips and incorrectly lists the pistol as engraved, which is likely an error in the factory ledgers. The left side of the matching number slide has the standard two-line address and patent dates and the right side has the caliber marking followed by the Rampant Colt. The right side of the frame has the correct standard Government Model marking over the serial number. The left of the trigger guard is marked "1/VP" and the right is marked "20". The barrel is fully silver plated and appears unmarked. All of the visible parts of this pistol have a factory silver plated finish including the magazine. The only parts that appear to not be silver plated are the recoil spring and recoil spring guide. Includes a small brass collection type tag that is marked "0681".

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable Documented First Year Production U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 345

First Year Production U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Pistol

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 346

World War I U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in 1918, this pistol is listed on p. 519 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols: 1894-1920" by Meadows as having shipped to Springfield Armory on 15 February 1918, well before the conclusion of World War I. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address, with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right side has the standard "MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY" address. The U.S. property marking is on the left of the frame along with the "JMG" inspector's mark, and the serial number is on the right. The blued barrel is marked "5" on the bottom in front of the lug. Fitted with blade and flat top notch sights, checkered slide release, thumb safety, and wide hammer, short grip safety, long smooth trigger, a pair of diamond pattern checkered grips, and an unmarked two-tone magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Exceptional and Rare Rock Island Arsenal Refurbished World War II U.S. Singer Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Original Arsenal Box

Lot 347

Rare World War II U.S. Singer Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

This is a rare example of an authentic World War II pistol manufactured by the Singer Manufacturing Company under the Ordnance Educational Order No. W-ORD-396. Singer completed the Educational Order in December 1941. Most of the 500 Singer Model 1911A1 pistols were apparently issued to the U.S. Army Air Corps. Given the terribly high casualty rates among the Army Air Corps early in the war, especially among bomber crews, it is certain that far fewer than the original 500 of these pistols survived, making a true survivor such as this pistol even more incredible. Not only did this Singer survive the high attrition rates of the early war, it was refreshed by the U.S. Rock Island Arsenal and continued in its steadfast service to this country! It is very rare to see these pistols with an arsenal refinish as most examples seem to have either retained much of their original finish, or alternatively received very rough treatment. This specific pistol is unique in that it must have seen enough use during the war to necessitate a fresh finish application, while also being cared for in a way that it could continue in service for years after being refreshed. The pistol has the original wide spur hammer with borderless checkering and checkered thumb safety, slide stop, trigger and main spring housing. It has been fitted with a pair of replacement brown plastic, checkered Keyes Fibre grips. The left side of the slide is roll-stamped with the Singer name and address: "S. MFG.CO./ELIZABETH, N.J., U.S.A." in two lines just ahead of the slide serrations. The top of the slide is stamped with a "P" proofmark. The right side of the frame is stamped: "UNITED STATES PROPERTY/No S800330" in two lines behind the behind the slide stop hole and "M 1911 A1 U.S.ARMY" in a single line in front of it. The left side of the frame is stamped with the "JKC" initials of Col. John K. Clement, the executive officer of the New York Ordnance District. A "P" proofmark is stamped on the left side of the frame immediately above the magazine release. The right side of the frame is additionally stamped with an ordnance bomb, "RIA" for Rock Island Arsenal, and "FK" for Frank Krack, assistant foreman of inspection at Rock Island Arsenal who is noted as having worked in that position from 17 September 1941 until his retirement on 19 July 1946, all markings that were added during the arsenal refurbishment. The blued barrel is marked "S" and "P" on the left of the lug. The replacement magazine is blued and "L" marked. Includes a correct Kraft box hand numbered to the gun and two extra magazines wrapped in wax paper.

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Historic, Well-Documented, Identified World War II Ploesti Raider USAAF Navigator's U.S. Model 1911A1 Remington-Rand Semi-Automatic Pistol, A-2 Jacket and Related Artifacts

Lot 353

WWII USAAF Ploesti Raider U.S. Model 1911A1 Pistol and Jacket

Offered here is an amazing World War II United States Army Air Forces archive composed of personal effects belonging to navigator Lt. Homer S. Gentry Jr. who participated in the infamous Ploesti Raid and was killed in action while returning from a bombing run over Germany in 1944. Lt. Gentry trained with a group of Consolidated B-24 Liberator crews in North Africa for the USAAF’s first bombing raid on the oil refineries located in Ploesti, Romania, which provided the Axis with 30-50% of its fuel needs. Codenamed Operation Tidal Wave, the low level strategic bombing mission over Ploesti was designed to cripple the Axis petroleum output. “Ninth Air Force strategists envisioned a decisive knockout,” wrote Air & Space Magazine writer Stephen Joiner. Instead, the mission proved to be one of the costliest in USAAF history in the European Theater. In all, “Black Sunday” resulted in 54 bombers being lost, 440 aircrew members being killed, and 220 captured or missing. Forty percent of the refinery’s capacity was destroyed, but within weeks the refinery was repaired. The official USAAF report concluded "no curtailment of overall product output". The operation was a total failure. Lt. Gentry survived the slaughter and was among numerous aircrew members who were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (see “Montgomery in the Good War: Portrait of a Southern City, 1939-1946” on page 88). The 1962 edition of James Dugan and Carroll Stewart’s “The Great Ground-Air Battle of 1 August 1943,” and a well-known photograph (285 of 1943) of the Ploesti Raid signed by the pilot of “Utah Man,” Colonel Walter Stewart, are items related to the Ploesti Raid that are included. In Oct 1943, Lt Gentry was promoted and transferred to England in the 707th Bomb Squad of the 446th Group, 8th Air Force, likely at the request of his first cousin, Val Griffths, pilot of the "Patriotic Patty." In April 1944, Lt. Gentry was killed in action aboard the B-24 "Patriotic Patty." The Western Union telegram announcing his death to his family is a part of this archive. Upon his death, Lt. Val Griffiths, pilot of the “Patriotic Patty” and Lt. Gentry’s cousin, wrote his parents of their son’s navigating heroics to set the B-24 on a correct course back to base while bleeding to death from a wound he sustained from anti-aircraft fire. This letter is included. For his actions, the consignor notes state Lt. Gentry was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, his second such medal for his distinguished combat record. Lt. Griffiths’ letter also mentions sending his cousin’s personal effects—“watch, 45 pistol, and some of the smaller items”—back to his family. Some of these items, including the Model 1911A1 pistol, are among the artifacts offered in this outstanding archive. The Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 pistol is listed by serial number as belonging to Lt. Gentry in accompanying official USAAF equipment issue inventory papers. The pistol was manufactured by Remington-Rand in 1944 and has the two-line Syracuse address on the left side of the slide. The frame is stamped with Frank J. Atwood's inspector mark and "P" around the magazine release on the left side and standard U.S. nomenclature with the Ordnance Corps cartouche is stamped on the right side. It has a full blue magazine. Comes with a U.S. Boyt 1943 dated leather shoulder holster. Articles of Lt. Gentry’s flight gear are part of the archive and includes: B-8 goggles, Bates Shoe Co. manufactured AN-H-15 cloth flight helmet with a leather “LT. GENTRY” name tab (lacks receivers), service shirt and stellar painted Aero Leather A-2 jacket. The A-2 jacket has “Junior” hand marked in white above Lt. Gentry’s leather name tab, which includes a navigator wing patch, on the left breast, painted 1st Lieutenant bars on leather shoulder insignia, and 446th Bomb Group insignia on painted leather patch on the right breast. The back of the jacket is painted with a fantastic image of Lt. Gentry’s B-24, “Patriotic Patty,” and two rows of bombs representing 22 bombing missions. “Patriotic Patty” is listed in Forman’s “B-24 Nose Art Name Directory” as serving with the 446th BG. The jacket has the rare Aero Leather civilian label. It is a size 44. Other items related to Lt. Gentry include: U.S. military shipping tin from Lt. Griffith addressed to Lt. Gentry’s father, flight school papers, several letters to home that give the modern day reader a glimpse into Lt. Gentry’s combat life, several photographs, Kinfolks knife with sheath, Catco pocket knife, silver wings, dog tags, sealed first aid tin, pilot wing ring, wrist watch with leather band, id bracelet, 518th Infantry Regiment distinctive insignia, USAF Technical Training distinctive insignia, inscribed to Lt. Gentry, Air Medal (lacks ribbon), parachute ripcord, and two 1st Lt. overseas caps. Provenance: The Saloga Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

World War II 1941 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 354

World War II 1941 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1941, the Robert Sears inspected Colts marked the transition point from Colt's high polish blue to the parkerization treatment that would become the standard for the rest of the war, with this example having received the blue finish before the transition. Clawson's "Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1" lists this pistol in a shipment of 2,500 pistols on 30 April 1941, on p. 396. The left side of the matching numbered slide has the two-line, two-block, patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between, and the right side of the slide is correctly devoid of markings. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property marking, serial number, and model designation, with "60" on the trigger guard. The left side of the frame has the boxed "R.S." Robert Sears inspection mark, "P" proof, and "T" over "VP" proof on the trigger guard. The top of the slide also has a "P" proof. The replacement blued barrel is marked "P" and "HS" on the lug. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short checkered trigger, long grip safety, replacement arched checkered mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, a full blue "COLT 45 AUTO" marked replacement commercial magazine, and replacement diamond pattern checkered walnut grips.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

U.S. World War II Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 355

U.S. World War II Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1943, at the height of World War II, this is an early production example of a Remington-Rand 1911A1. The left side of the slide is marked with the correct style two-line "REMINGTON RAND INC./SYRACUSE, N.Y.U.S.A." address and a "P" on top. The left side of the frame has the "FJA" inspection mark and "P" below the magazine release. The standard U.S. property, serial number, and model designation are marked on the right side. The full blue barrel is marked "P" and "HS" on either side of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, serrated slide release, checkered thumb safety and narrow hammer, short stamped trigger, serrated mainspring housing, checkered Keyes Fibre grips, and a "S" marked full-blue magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

World War II U.S. Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box

Lot 356

World War II U.S. Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1945. Blade and flat top notch sights, with the standard slide markings, "FJA" inspected frame, stamped trigger, wide checkered hammer, long grip safety, checkered thumb safety, serrated slide catch and arched mainspring housing, reinforced Keyes Fibre grips, full blue magazine marked "R" on the toe, and a High Standard "HS" barrel. Included with the pistol is a correct brown cardboard "kraft" style box, hand-numbered on the lid to match the pistol

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Rare 1938 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 358

1938 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

This is a rare example of one of 1,296 Colt Model 1911A1 pistols manufactured in 1938 under contract for the U.S. Army. Clawson lists this pistol on p. 396 of " Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1" as part of a shipment to Springfield Armory on 21 May 1938. The lowest production year for the 1911A1, 1938 marked the shift from the "Transitional 1911" (1911A1 features but still with 1911 nomenclature) to the full 1911A1, and could be considered the birth year for the pistol that would see America from World War II through the lion's share of the Cold War. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address, bisected by the Rampant Colt. The left side of the frame is marked "P" and "H", while the right side is marked with the standard U.S. property, model, and serial number. The left of the trigger guard is marked "T/VP", while the right is marked "60". The barrel is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left, "P" inspector stamp on the left of the lug, and "G" on the bottom in front of the lug, with a polished chamber hood. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered slide stop, short trigger, thumb safety, wide hammer, and arched mainspring housing; checkered walnut grips, and an unmarked later production parkerized magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Very Rare Large Scale U.S. Military Training Model of the U.S. Model 1911A1 Pistol with Stand

Lot 359

Large Scale Training Model of the U.S. 1911A1 Pistol

Measuring 32 inches tall, 50 inches long and 8 inches wide, this is a rare large scale training model of the Colt Model 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol as used for U.S. military classroom demonstrations. As it sits on its stand, it is 39 inches tall. The slide is mobile, with a spring loaded hammer, a mobile slide catch and a functioning magazine catch, which when depressed releases a large scale model magazine. A length of pipe extends down from the trigger guard, with two reinforcing sections on the front strap for mounting the display on the included custom floor stand. Also includes the recoil spring separately. This exact training model was featured in an episode of the television show American Pickers as picked by Mike Wolfe!

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable Documented Prototype U.S. Rock Island Arsenal Model 1970/M15 General Officers Semi-Automatic Pistol as Pictured in "The Colt U.S. General Officer's Pistol" by Horace Greeley with Case and a Copy of the Book

Lot 366

Prototype U.S. R.I.A. Model 1970/M15 General Officers Pistol

In late 1969, Dale W. Hoffman was Superintendent of Small Arms, Machinery, and Plating at the Rock Island Arsenal. Hoffman had noticed that a shortage of the Colt "Model M" or Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistols had arisen, the pistols that had been issued as general officers pistols since World War II. At his own expense, Hoffman made and submitted a prototype, and unsolicited proposal, of what would eventually become the U.S. Model M15 General Officer pistol. The proposal made its way all the way to Washington before the project was approved. Initially, three prototypes were built using re-purposed Model 1911/1911A1 and Government Model parts, one of which received a blue finish, and the other two a chrome finish. All three of those prototypes were believed to have been used up in government testing against candidates from Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Walther. In April of 1972, a request was made for six more prototypes, all of which are believed to have received the blue finish and fairly standard markings, after the chrome finish was rejected. This specific pistol appears to be one of those six prototypes and appears to be pictured on p. 164 of "The Colt U.S. General Officer's Pistol" by Horace Greeley, where it, or a nearly identical prototype is pictured on a peg board along with the other potential candidates at Rock Island Arsenal. This pistol or one similar is again pictured on p. 165 with its competitors, and again on p. 166 by itself. The pistol is not identified by serial number, but shares all the visible markings and features that this pistol has. The left side of the slide is marked "General Officers Pistol/Model 1970". The right side of the frame shows faint U.S. property and Model 1911A1 markings, as well as a restamped serial number. It is fitted with a flat topped blade front sight, just like the pictured example, and high notch rear sight. The grips are checkered walnut with an inset R.I.A. badge in the right panel, and the left panel lacking the polished nameplate which was added in standard production. Unlike the standard production pistols which received a matte black finish on the top of the slide, this example has a complete, high polish blue finish. Includes a hardwood presentation style case with brass plaque on the lid marked "R.I.A." and brass plaque inside the lid marked "General Officers Pistol/Rock Island Arsenal Prototype/Model 1970". The interior of the case is fitted for the pistol and lined in dark green velvet. Also included is a copy of the above referenced book by Greeley.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Collector's Set of Six Cased Colt World War Commemorative Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistols -A) Colt Battle of Belleau Wood Commemorative Model 1911 Pistol

Lot Contains 6 Items

Lot 587

Six Cased Colt World War Commemorative Model 1911 Pistols

Manufactured in 1968. With standard markings and features. Includes wood display case.

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 595

Nighthawk Custom Turnbull VIP 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured as a collaboration between two titans of the custom 1911s, Nighthawk Custom and Turnbull Restoration, this pistol stands as a stunning and understated example of functional art. The slide is finished in Turnbull's classic pre-World War II Colt style bluing and fitted with a 14 karat gold bead front sight and Heinie serrated blacked out rear sight, bronzed barrel bushing and recoil spring plunger, with the back of the slide serrated to match the rear sight. The frame displays the signature beautifully vibrant case colors that put Turnbull on the map and is mated with an equally beautiful set of Mammoth ivory grips, high polish controls, trigger bronzed to match the barrel bushing and recoil plunger, an extended grip safety, and integral flared magazine well. Includes a Nighthawk Custom hard case with leather accents and one extra magazine.

Has Box

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 45

Price Realized:

Scarce Factory Engraved and Beryllium Finished Safari Arms Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Case

Lot 596

Factory Engraved Safari Arms Model 1911 Pistol

Less than 50 of these beryllium copper Safari Arms Model 1911 pistols are believed to have been manufactured, with far fewer engraved, possibly ten. Safari Arms itself started as a Phoenix, Arizona, based company, until it was acquired by Olympic Arms and continued to produce its 1911 models under the Safari name, even once all production had been moved to the Olympic Arms facility in Olympia, Washington, with this example being manufactured by the latter. Features serrated ramp fixed blade front and adjustable notched tangent rear sights, extended slide catch, thumb safety, and beavertail grip safety. The frame and slide display 90% coverage floral scroll engraving on a punchdot background. Includes original black plastic hard case.

Has Box

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1077

Panel Scene Engraved Savage Model 1899 Lever Action Rifle

This beautiful factory engraved Savage Model 1899 was manufactured c. 1913 and features highly detailed circular panel scenes on the sides of the action showing running deer. The left side has a buck with mountains in the background similar to the Grade B engraving example on page 34 of "A Collector's Guide to the Savage Model 99 Rifle," and the right side shows a doe with a tree in the background. These panel scenes are surrounded by tightly curled scrollwork. There are also additional border and floral accents on the frame. The barrel has a nickel silver blade front sight with a dovetailed base, an adjustable sporting rear sight with the 1911 Savage patent marking, the two-line address and patent marking ending in "1909" on top ahead of the rear sight, "SAVAGE HI-PRESSURE STEEL/-MODEL 1899-" on the left, and "38-55" on top at the breech. The front the lever boss has a circled "H." The deluxe walnut stock and forearm have checkering with fancy border carving, "perch belly" butt profile, and a steel rifle buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38-55

Price Realized:

Attractive Factory Engraved Savage Deluxe Model 1899 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

Lot 1078

Factory Engraved Savage Deluxe Model 1899 Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1911. The barrel has the standard two-line address and patent marking on top in front of the rear sight and the caliber marking at the breech. The two-line high pressure steel and model marking is offset on the left of the barrel at the rear sight. The sides and top of the receiver have attractive factory Grade A engraving executed by Savage Master Engraver Enoch Tue. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver, inside the buttplate, on the butt of the stock under the plate, and on the butt of the forearm. It is fitted with a Marble No. 3 combination front sight, elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a Lyman peep sight mounted on the upper tang of the receiver. Four filler screws are visible on top of the non-factory tapped receiver. It is mounted with a very finely figured, multi-point checkered, Schnabel tip forearm, and pistol grip perch-belly stock with a sling swivel and a smooth crescent buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 303 savage

Price Realized:

Lot 1104

U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine

Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these dual purpose pistol-carbines. They were designed to be used as pistols by mounted cavalrymen and as carbines when they dismounted but did not prove satisfactory due to their limited rate of fire, poor accuracy, and awkward dimensions as pistols. The Maynard tape priming system was also found to be a weak spot and was abandoned by the U.S. military after the Model 1855 series. While these aspects proved to undermine the system and made their production run short, it has made them particularly desirable collector's items. They are one of only three handguns ever manufactured at Springfield; a distinction they share with the venerable Model 1911 and Model 1817 flintlock. Nonetheless, most surviving examples make it clear that these weapons saw hard use into the Civil War era. This example has the standard markings and features, including "1856" date on the tail of the lock and "1855" on the barrel tang. It is fitted with a matching shoulder stock assembly numbered "17", which is also correctly stamped on the rear butt.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Lot 1107

U.S. Springfield Model 1817 Type I Flintlock Pistol

This is a scarce example of a U.S. Model 1817 flintlock pistol manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1818. The Springfield Armory made a total of 1,000 Model 1817 pistols in 1817-1818. These pistols, the Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines and the Model 1911 semi-automatic pistols were the only handguns manufactured by Springfield Armory. These pistols have a complicated history. They were originally started in 1807, but, after producing a sample pistol, 400 locks, and 300 barrels, the project was abandoned because the .69 caliber was considered excessive for pistols. However, Colonel Roswell Lee was hired as superintendent of the armory in 1815 and sought permission from the Ordnance Department to complete the pistols. Note that some sources such as Flayderman's guide incorrectly list him as Robert Lee. He received permission to complete 1,000 pistols for possible use by the U.S. Navy. The parts on hand from origin of the project were not sufficient, so additional parts were also made and used leading to at least two categories of these pistols. This pistol has the desirable "Type I" or "Model 1807" features which include: a gooseneck cock, frizzen spring with spear point finial, projection at rear of the lock plate, and frizzen with curled toe. About 400 of the 1,000 Model 1817 pistols are believed to have the Type I features using the locks originally made back in 1807. The pistol has a .69 caliber smoothbore barrel secured by a double band and is dated "1818" on top at the breech and marked with an oval "P" proofmark followed by an eagle head and "V" view mark on the left. The lock plate is marked "SPRING/FIELD/1818" in three vertical lines behind the cock and stamped with the Springfield eagle and shield motif over "U.S." at the center. The inside of the lock is stamped "B." "EA" is stamped on the trigger plate ahead of the trigger. The left side of the stock is stamped on the flat with two oval inspection marks. The pommel cap has an unusual keyed slot for mounting a shoulder stock and an area of the stock under the cap was drilled out. This pistol may have been a one of a kind factory prototype for experimenting with a shoulder stocked pistol prior to the adoption of the U.S. Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines also manufactured at Springfield. All 1,000 pistols from this contract were still at Springfield in 1850, so one of these pistols would have been a good starting point for experimenting with detachable stocks. There is a small "9" or "6" marked by the slot on the pommel cap similar to the stock numbers stamped on the pistol-carbines.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 1115

U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine with Stock

Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these dual purpose pistol-carbines. They were designed to be used as pistols by mounted cavalrymen and as carbines when they dismounted but did not prove satisfactory due to their limited rate of fire, poor accuracy, and awkward dimensions as pistols. The Maynard tape priming system was also found to be a weak spot and was abandoned by the U.S. military after the Model 1855 series. While these aspects proved to undermine the system and made their production run short, it has made them particularly desirable collector's items. They are one of only three handguns ever manufactured at Springfield; a distinction they share with the venerable Model 1911 and Model 1817 flintlock. Many of these pistol-carbines saw use during the Civil War. This example has the standard markings and features, including "1856" date on the tail of the lock and "1855" on the barrel tang. It appears to have "8" on the pommel cap, and the stock has "78" and "4" on the brass on the lower tang. The stock has a large "A" carved into the left side.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Lot 1245

Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver

32-20 WCF was a very popular caliber in the first generation SAA line. As author Dan Brown put it, "The .32-20 WCF cartridge had good range and accuracy. It is very easy to shoot, as it does not make the revolver buck as the larger calibers do. It also was used as a companion to the Winchester rifle of the .32-20 WCF caliber" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 190). The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .32-40 caliber and blue finish and states the revolver was shipped on April 4, 1911 to John M. Smyth Co. of Chicago, Illinois. This was a two gun shipment. The barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address on top and "32 W.C.F." on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. Matching assembly number is on the rear of the frame and loading gate. Both grip panels are renumbered to the gun. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Price Realized:

Unmarked Factory Demonstration Colt Model 1911 Cutaway Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 1315

Factory Demonstration Colt Model 1911 Cutaway Pistol

This interesting pistol was likely manufactured by the Colt factory as a tool room or production demonstration piece. These pistols were often pulled from general production early in the process or sometimes assembled using parts that fell just short of quality control standards. These cutaway pistols were used to demonstrate the inner workings of the firearm, in this case, the legendary Model 1911 pistol. This example is quite interesting in that it bears no markings at all, showing that it was pulled from the production line early, prior to being blued/marked, likely for the sole purpose of becoming a cutaway. There are a total of 11 panels cut away on this pistol to show the internal workings, nine on the right side, one on the left, and one on the rear of the grip safety. The right grip panel is also absent and the magazine has a panel cut away in the right side to show its internal workings. Apart from the right grip and right grip screws, the only part that appears to be absent is the lanyard loop at the bottom of the mainspring housing.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Documented Martially Inspected Colt Military Model 1902 U.S. Army Contract Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 1320

Colt Military Model 1902 U.S. Army Contract Pistol

This Colt Military Model 1902 "U.S. Army" contract semi-automatic pistol was manufactured in 1902. This pistol is one of the key models required in any advanced Colt martial arms collection. This pistol eventually lead to the development and adoption of the Colt Model 1911 pistol. There were exactly 200 of this model manufactured, they were shipped on two different dates and serial number blocks on July 1902. This example was shipped in the first block of serial numbers as shipped to Springfield Armory in 15 July 1902, as noted on pages 42-47 in the excellent reference book "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920" by Meadows. It is correctly marked with the "U.S." on the left side trigger guard bow, with the U.S. Ordnance inspector initials "J.T.T." for Capt. John Thompson on the right side of the frame and the sub-inspector initials "R.A.C." for Rinaldo A. Carr on the upper trigger guard bow. It has the correct military style square end butt with the lanyard loop on the lower left rear side and sporting style round hammer spur. The left side of the slide is marked with Colt's two-line, two-block patent marking and address markings "BROWNING'S PATENT PAT' APRIL 20.1897" followed by "COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MFG.CO./HARTFORD, CONN.U.S.A.", with the Rampant Colt logo stamped at the rear. The right side is marked "MODEL 1902" directly behind the slide checkering with "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" behind the ejection port. The left side of the frame has the serial number stamped above the trigger guard bow. It is complete with the an original nickel plated magazine marked "PAT'D Sept 9. 1894" on the base plate. These pistols have a Colt high polish blue finish with checkered hard rubber grips with "Colt" at the top and the Rampant Colt logo in the center of the grip. The trigger, slide stop and rear sight have the niter blue finish. The hammer and lanyard loop are casehardened. The barrel is blue.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Colt auto

Price Realized:

Exceptional World War I U.S. Contract Remington-UMC Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 1321

World War I U.S. Contract Remington-UMC Model 1911 Pistol

In late 1917 or early 1918, Colt was ordered by the U.S. government to provide Remington-UMC with production drawings, sample pistols, and master gauges to produce the 150,000 Model 1911 pistols the government had ordered from them to support the war effort. In March of 1918 the initial order was increased to 500,000. By June of 1919, and the cancellation of the contract, Remington had produced 21,676 Model 1911 pistols. Because they had been made using a different set of technical drawings than Colt and Springfield, the Remington 1911 was purged from the inventory after the war to ensure parts compatibility. It has fixed sights, with the two-block, three-line patent and address markings around the "REMINGTON/UMC" logo on the left side of the slide, "MODEL OF 1911/U.S. ARMY CALIBER .45" on the right, and the "E.E.C." and "eagle head/E1" proofs on the left side of the frame. Fitted with a "P" proofed full blue barrel, two-tone magazine with pinned base, and diamond pattern checkered grips.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Rare 1937 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 1322

U.S. Colt 1937 Production Model 1911/1911A1 Transitional Pistol

Manufactured in 1937, this pistol is a rare example of the resumption of military contract pistol production after a 13 year lapse, and has the features (though not the nomenclature) that define the 1911A1 Pistol. This particular example was shipped on 1 February 1937 to Springfield Armory; while not explicitly marked, over two thirds of 1937 production was earmarked for the United States Navy. Roughly 2,349 of these pistols were manufactured in 1937 (see Clawson's "Colt .45 Service Pistols," page 395). Part of the inventory at the time of America's entry into World War II, many of the Transitional 1911A1s saw hard use in the field, and can be difficult to find in any condition. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block address and patent dates separated by the Rampant Colt. The right side of the matching number slide bears the standard "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" marking. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property marking over the serial number. The left of the trigger guard has "P" over "VP" and the right has "38". The barrel is blued with a polished chamber hood and is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left. It is fitted with blade front and flat top notch rear sights, checkered slide stop, checkered thumb safety, checkered arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop on the butt, a short checkered trigger, checkered wide hammer, and a two-tone magazine marked "COLT/45 AUTO." on the base. Provenance: The Ron Bucholtz Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1325

U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in the third block of serial numbers reserved for Springfield Armory production, this is a fine original example of a U.S. Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Springfield Armory for the United States military. The left side of the slide has the standard three-line Colt patent dates and two-line "SPRINGFIELD ARMORY/U.S.A." markings in two blocks, as well as an ordnance bomb behind the serrations. The right side of the slide is marked with the Department of Defense eagle and "MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY." The left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and an ordnance bomb near the trigger guard, and the serial number is marked on the right. Features blade and notch sights, checkered wide hammer, short grip safety, and a smooth straight mainspring housing with a lanyard ring. The blued barrel is marked "P" on the left of the lug and "S" on the right. It is fitted with a pair of correct checkered, large diamond pattern, walnut grips and a blued magazine with wraparound base (lanyard loop absent).

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1326

World War II U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in 1944. The left side of the slide has the two line, two block address and patent dates marking with the Rampant Colt in the center. The left side of the frame is stamped with a "G.H.D." inspection stamp and "P" with the left side of the trigger guard having the letter "X" and Colt VP proof and the right side of the trigger guard having the number "96". There are British proofs visible on the frame, slide, and barrel. The full blue barrel is marked "P" on the left of the lug, "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left, and has British proofs on the chamber hood. It has the "No" style serial number, fixed sights, checkered wide hammer, stamped short trigger, checkered slide stop and thumb safety, long grip safety, arched serrated mainspring housing, an unmarked full blue magazine, and reinforced grips. Includes a "US" marked leather holster with "63" stamped and "LD" hand carved on the back.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Documented North American Arms Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 34

Lot 1339

North American Arms Model 1911 Pistol

This is a very rare example of an Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol that was manufactured by the "North American Arms Company Limited" of Quebec Canada. In early July 1918, the U.S. Government issued a contract for 500,000 Model 1911 pistols to the North American Arms Co., of Quebec Canada. The North American Arms Company leased the Ross Rifle plant to actually do the manufacturing and as part of the contractual arrangement, the U.S. Government was to supply all the raw materials. However due to the material shortages they were only able to supply enough material to produce approximately 100 sets of tool room parts, some of which were later assembled into completed pistols. Due to the ending of WWI, the contract was canceled in December of 1918 with no completed examples of these pistols ever being accepted by the U.S. Government. However the U.S. Ordnance salvage board did accept/reclaim this large lot of parts and assemblies as part of the contract termination settlement and which were later disposed of. These 100 pistols were uniquely marked with only a controlling serial number on the left rear section of the slide along with the factory markings also on the left side of the slide. According to a January 2002 article in "The Gun Report", Meadows indicates serial number 34 is one of only 16 examples known to exist. This specific pistol is marked on the slide "MANUFACTURED BY/NORTH AMERICAN ARMS CO. LIMITED/QUEBEC CANADA" along with control number "34" on the upper left rear end of the slide, the trigger, and the lower left rear corner of the frame under the grip. The configuration of the parts and components were the same as the standard Colt Model 1911 models. The hammer is a wide spur version similar to the Colt production models, except it is without any checkering on the spur. The grip panels are the standard checkered walnut versions. The magazine is a blued Colt manufactured half tone pattern with a lanyard loop on the base plate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Historic Grouping Including 1912 Production U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Model 1852 Naval Officer's Sword and Extensive Documentation Regarding Captain Ross G. Willoh, a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Veteran of World War I and World War II

Lot 1340

1912 Production U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Pistol

A total of 15,037 of these pistols were manufactured by Colt with the desirable U.S. Navy slide marking, all of which were delivered prior to April of 1915. After that, all Model 1911 pistols delivered to the Navy would bear the standard U.S. Army nomenclature, of which there were approximately 578,473 manufactured, making this variation comparatively very scarce. This is an example of a 1912 production, U.S. Navy contract Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped on 5 October 1912, to the Brooklyn Navy Yard ("The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard). The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block Colt address and patent dates with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right bears the desirable "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY" marking. The correct brush blued barrel is marked "5" on the bottom in front of the lug and "H" on the rear face of the chamber hood. The left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and "WGP" circled monogram above the magazine release, while the serial number is in the early forward position on the right. It is fitted with blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, checkered slide catch, thumb safety, magazine catch, and wide hammer, long smooth trigger, smooth flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and a refinished magazine with the very early pattern exposed base with lanyard loop. Includes a Model 1852 Naval Officer's sword with etched blade featuring naval motifs leather wrap, and a scabbard, and canvas magazine pouch with two extra magazines. Also includes extensive documentation, photographs, and other items pertaining to captain Ross G. Willoh (1885-1973). Willoh enlisted in the Naval Militia of Ohio in 1904, was enlisted in the U.S. navy from 1905-1909. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1914, and called to active service in 1917. After serving in World War I he was transferred to the U.S Naval Reserve Force and then discharged in 1920. He later joined the U.S. Coast Guard reserves and served through World War II, reaching the rank of commander. Included is a 48-star American flag and various medals and awards from both World Wars. An included obituary for the captain cites more than 30 years of service with the U.S. Coast Guard involved in marine inspection.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1357

World War I U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in 1917 and shipped to Rock Island Arsenal on 12 March 1917, less than a month before the United States officially joined World War I. The left of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right has the standard "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" marking. The left of the frame has the U.S. property marking and "GHS" inspection mark and the serial number is on the right. The full blued barrel is marked "P/H" on the chamber hood and "5" on the bottom and left of the lug. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, long smooth trigger, short grip safety, diamond pattern checkered grips, and an unmarked two-tone magazine with pinned lanyard loop base.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

U.S. Remington-Rand/Colt Model 1911A1 National Match Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 1358

U.S. Remington-Rand/Colt Model 1911A1 National Match Pistol

Originally produced by Remington-Rand in 1943, this pistol was subsequently selected for upgrade to a National Match competition-grade pistol by Springfield Armory and fitted with a Colt slide. The left of the slide has the standard National Match part number markings while the right has the Colt address. Serrated Patridge blade front sight and adjustable Elliason rear sight, "7267718/NM" bushing, full blued barrel marked ".45 AUTO/NM 7790313" and numbered to the gun on the chamber hood, and an "FJA" inspected frame with "SA", "P", and "NM" stamps. Equipped with a long serrated adjustable trigger, serrated narrow hammer, checkered front strap, arched checkered mainspring housing with lanyard loop, checkered walnut grips, and a full blue magazine marked "C-S" and "S".

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1359

World War II U.S. Ithaca Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in 1943, the left side of the slide marked with the standard two-line Ithaca address and "P" on top. The left of the frame as the "FJA" inspection mark and "P" below the magazine release, while the right side of the frame has the U.S. property markings, serial number, and model designation, as well as "7" on the trigger guard. The blued barrel is marked "HS" and "P" on the lug. Serrated slide release and thumb safety, narrow checkered hammer, long grip safety, stamped trigger, checkered Keyes Fibre grips, and an "S" marked full blue magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1360

U.S. World War II Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1943, at the height of World War II, this is an early production example of a Remington-Rand 1911A1. The left side of the slide is marked with the correct style two-line "REMINGTON RAND INC./SYRACUSE, N.Y.U.S.A." address and a "P" on top. The left side of the frame has the "FJA" inspection mark and "P" below the magazine release. The standard U.S. property, serial number, and model designation are marked on the right side. The full blue barrel is marked "P" and "HS" on either side of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered slide release, checkered thumb safety and narrow hammer, short stamped trigger, checkered mainspring housing, checkered reinforced grips, and a "L" marked full-blue magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1361

U.S. World War II Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1943, at the height of World War II, this is an early production example of a Remington-Rand 1911A1. The left side of the slide is marked with the correct style two-line "REMINGTON RAND INC./SYRACUSE, N.Y.U.S.A." address and a "P" on top. The left side of the frame has the "FJA" inspection mark and "P" below the magazine release (partially stamped). The standard U.S. property, serial number, and model designation are marked on the right side. The full blue barrel is marked "P" and "F" on either side of the lug. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, serrated slide release, checkered thumb safety and narrow hammer, short stamped trigger, serrated mainspring housing, checkered Keyes Fibre grips, and a "R" marked full-blue magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 1603

Wilson Combat Super Grade Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

With fixed blade front and adjustable notch rear sights, along with standard markings.

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Nighthawk Custom Agent 2 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 1609

Nighthawk Custom Agent 2 Pistol

With fixed front and drift adjustable rear Heinie Trijicon night sights, a match grade barrel, extended slide release, flat trigger, and textured front and back straps. Includes green Nighthawk Customs soft case, an extra magazine, and original test target.

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Custom Les Baer Double Stack .40 S&W 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box

Lot 1612

Custom Les Baer Double Stack .40 S&W 1911A1 Pistol

Built on a Caspian Arms LTD double stack frame. It has a blade front sight and adjustable "LES BAER CUSTOM" marked rear sight. Ambidextrous thumb safety and beaver tailed grip safety. Includes a box numbered to the gun, and two extra magazines.

Has Box

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 40 S&W

Price Realized:

Documented Wells Fargo & Co. Express Shipped and Marked Ithaca Grade X Double Barrel Hammer Coach Shotgun with Factory Letter

Lot 3030

Wells Fargo Express Shipped Ithaca Hammer Coach Shotgun

Founded in 1852 for the initial purpose of providing banking service to California, Wells Fargo rapidly grew due to demand caused by the California Gold Rush, and by the time the gold rush came to an end in 1855, Wells Fargo dominated the banking and express service industry in the West. Pieces of the Wells Fargo legacy are in high demand by collectors, and this piece of Wells Fargo heritage is documented in the Ithaca factory records. As confirmed in the factory letter, this Ithaca shotgun was finished on November 17, 1911, and sold to the legendary Wells Fargo & Company Express as a Grade X with 24 inch fluid steel barrels in 12 gauge. It is not often we catalog Wells Fargo shipped firearms, especially shotguns with factory "coach" barrels (18 to 24 inches). The origin of these short barreled shotguns date back to the Wild West when Wells Fargo issued them to their stagecoach guards for defense. While the stagecoach had long since vanished from the American landscape by the time this coach gun left the factory in 1911, the short barreled shotgun remained a popular weapon of choice with Wells Fargo guards. The right side of the frame has the Wells Fargo marking: "W.F.&CO. EX. 238." Includes a Wells Fargo & Co. Express guard marked badge.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 12

Price Realized:

Historic First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver in Rare .45 ACP with Factory Letter and Bills of Sale Indicating Ownership by Multiple U.S. Airmen During World War II, the First a Gunner Killed When His Plane was Shot Down in the Pacific

Lot 3181

Colt Single Action Army Revolver in .45 ACP with WWII History

The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver in .45 caliber with a 4 3/4 inch barrel, nickel finish, and grips not listed when it was sold to the Oklahoma City Hardware Co. and as shipped to Bonebrake Hardware Co. in El Reno, Oklahoma, on November 17, 1938. It was the only revolver of its type in the shipment. The revolver has a blade front sight, the two-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45" on the left side of the barrel, the two-line patent marking and Rampant Colt trademark on the left side of the frame, "4" and the triangular "VP" mark on the left side of the trigger guard bow, assembly number "104" on the loading gate and rear of the frame on the right, "0976" scratched inside the grips, and matching serial numbers on the frame, and "355408" on the frame and right side of the grip straps. The cylinder chambers the .45 ACP round used by the U.S. Military during World War II for the Model 1911 and 1911A1 semi-automatic pistols. Based on research presented by author David Brown in "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," Colt manufactured only 44 First Generation Single Action Army revolvers in .45 ACP. This chambering was first made available after World War I in 1924 on a special order basis. Per Brown, "Almost all made after 1924 were shipped to men in some branch of the Armed Forces. They could get all of the .45 Auto ammo they wanted but part of them wanted to shoot the Colt Single Action Army instead of Colt Automatic so they would order the Colt SAA made up in the .45 ACP....The only revolvers made in this caliber by Colt were Colt Single Action Armys, and they are extremely valuable to any Colt SAA collection." We have previously sold only a limited number of .45 ACP First Generation revolvers, including the finest known example which also originally shipped in 1938 and was noted as specifically chambered by John Henry Fitzgerald. Bills of sale accompanying the revolver state that Staff Sergeant F.S. Nelson purchased this revolver from Stoeger Arms in New York and sold the revolver to Staff Sergeant Paul J. Smith on May 17, 1944. Smith states he sold the revolver on September 10, 1944, to Corporal Charles H. Kern. Kern in turn sold the revolver on December 16, 1944, to Staff Sergeant Moroni Fredrickson. He in turn sold the revolver to his son David G. Fredrickson on September 28, 1966. Who then sold the revolver to an individual whose name is redacted in 1972. The bills of sale demonstrate that this revolver was owned by a series of U.S. Military soldiers during World War II. Forest S. Nelson listed his Army serial number which allowed us to identify him as a chauffeur and driver from Radford, Virginia, born on August 15, 1924. He enlisted on May 22, 1942, in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was a staff sergeant specializing as a gunner. He served on the B-25 Mitchell Bomber #42-10001 "Dirty Nellie" in the 42nd Bomb Group, Medium, 75th Bomber Squadron. After selling the revolver, he was among the crew on the "Dirty Nellie" when she was engaged in a dangerous low altitude mission attacking Japanese supplies on Celebes Island (Sulawesi, Indonesia). The engine was hit and the pilot crash landed in the ocean. In addition to Nelson, Co-Pilot Edwin F. Fuller and Engineer Elton J. Sinitier were reported missing and declared dead. Newspaper reports indicate he trained at Panama City, Florida, and participated in 52 missions during the African campaign and then 42 missions in the Pacific prior to being shot down. The other men's identities are not as clear since they did not list their service numbers and multiple men by the same names appear in the records. A Staff Sergeant Paul J. Smith was a tail gunner on B-17 Flying Fortress 43-38808 in the 487th Bomb Group and 838th Bomb Squadron within the 8th Air Force. If this is the correct man, like Nelson, he was shot down shortly after selling the revolver and crashed in Mayen, Germany, on October 15, 1944, and is listed as a POW. A Corporal Charles K. Kern is listed as an engineer on B-17 Flying Fortress 44-8390 in the 301st Bomb Group, 353rd Squadron. He was promoted to staff sergeant on February 12, 1945. His plane was reported missing in action on April 3, 1945. Kern is listed among the seven crew that evaded capture and returned to duty while three others were killed. Moroni Fredrickson has also been located and confirmed thanks to the inclusion of his son within the provenance record. He was born on February 12, 1919, in Logan, Utah, and was a Mormon. He joined the National Guard Cavalry in 1938 and graduated from University of Idaho Southern Branch Technical School for auto mechanics and then studied at the Chinute Air Corps Technical School after joining the Army Air Corps. He served as a mechanic and crew chief on a B-25 Bomber in the Pacific. In addition to his son David, he also had three daughters. Provenance: Staff Sergeant F.S. Nelson; Staff Sergeant Paul J. Smith; Corporal Charles H. Kern; Staff Sergeant Moroni Fredrickson; David G. Fredrickson; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Exceptional Early 1941 Production U.S. Contract "CSR" Inspected Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 3295

U.S. Contract "CSR" Inspected Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1941, before the U.S. entry to World War II and before Colt made the switch to parkerization as the standard wartime finish on 1911A1 pistols. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line/two-block address separated by the Rampant Colt, "CSR" inspected frame with "T/VP" proof, matching "P" proofs on the frame and slide, and standard U.S. property and Army nomenclature on the right of the frame. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered slide catch, checkered thumb safety, and wide spur hammer, long grip safety, and arched checkered mainspring housing with lanyard loop. The full blue barrel is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left and "P" stamped on the left of the lug. It is fitted with fully checkered walnut grips and a full blue magazine marked "COLT/45 AUTO" on the base. Includes two extra modern, non-factory magazines.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Excellent World War II U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with British Proofs

Lot 3296

World War II U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol with British Proofs

Manufactured in 1945, towards the end of World War II. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line/two-block address separated by the Rampant Colt, "G.H.D." inspected frame with "F/VP" proof, matching "P" proofs on the frame and slide, and standard U.S. property and army nomenclature on the right of the frame. British lend-lease style proofs are visible on the frame, slide and barrel. "RELEASED BRITISH GOVT. 1952" and "NOT ENGLISH MAKE" on the right side of the frame. Fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered slide catch, thumb safety, and narrow hammer, long grip safety, and arched serrated mainspring housing with lanyard loop. Fitted with a full blue "S" marked magazine, full blue barrel with "P" on the lug, and reinforced checkered grips. Includes a reproduction Kraft style box hand numbered to the gun.

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 3306

U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Exceptional World War I U.S. Contract Colt Model 1911 "Black Army" Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 3309

WWI U.S. Contract Colt Model 1911 "Black Army" Pistol

In July of 1918, in an effort to further speed up production, Colt changed the finishing process on the Model 1911 yet again. This involved the polishing process ending at the "rough" stage, with the blue finish being applied to this "rough" or brushed surface which led to a much darker, almost black, appearance. This example was manufactured in late 1918, and is an example of a "Black Army", as they came to be known. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between, and "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" on the right. The frame is marked with the serial number on the right, with the U.S. property marking and eagle head inspection mark on the left. The blued barrel is marked "5" on the bottom in front of the lug. Fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered slide stop, thumb safety, magazine release, and wide hammer, long smooth trigger, short grip safety, flat smooth mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and an unmarked two-tone magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Historic, Extensively Documented, Factory Inscribed Colt Military Model 1902 Semi-Automatic Pistol Ordered by Future Admiral Richmond K. Turner for Future Rear Admiral Milo F. Draemel During Their Time at the U.S. Naval Academy with Factory Letter, Documentation, Officer's Sword, Medals, Epaulettes, Hat, Books, and Other Accessories

Lot 3317

Factory Inscribed Colt Military Model 1902 Pistol

This Colt Military Model 1902 pistol was manufactured in 1906 and is listed on p. 182 of "The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911" by Goddard as being engraved "M.F.D. from his youngsters", an inscription which is found on the back strap, and shipped to "Midn. R.K. Turner" on 6 February 1906. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed), including the inscription, as well as the previously mentioned shipment date and recipient. Interestingly, the consecutively numbered pistol 12195 (serial numbers counting down), noted just after this example on the same page of Goddard's book gives some further insight into this pistol's deep connections to the U.S. Navy. Shipping on the same day in 1906, serial number 12195 is also listed as engraved with the inscription "'Wm. Lowndes Calhoun USN' from the 11th Co. USNA 2/12/06" and was shipped to "Midn. J.W. Kenyon". These pistols were likely ordered at the same time, both for presentation to an upper classman, teacher, and mentor at the U.S. Naval Academy. An included document by Theodore F. Mayer, a previous owner of the pistol, states that the "M.F.D." in the inscription refers to Milo Frederick Draemel, who was a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy in 1906. Mayer came to this conclusion due to there being only one student or staff member with the initials M.F.D. in the 1906 "Lucky Bag" (yearbook) for the academy. Draemel was a company commander and second battalion staff at the academy, and due to being one of the top in his class, was also given a teaching position instructing younger midshipmen, or "youngsters" who ordered this pistol for him. Draemel graduated early in February 1906 due to a dire need for junior officers in America's "Great White Fleet" of new battleships. He served on various battleships through World War I and then attended the Naval War College from 1924 to 1926. From 1933 to 1936, he was an instructor at the Naval War College while it was attended by the same "R.K. Turner" who ordered the pistol for him, and in 1937, Draemel was made Commandant of the U.S. Naval Academy, a role he held until 1939. After the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. joining the Second World War, Draemel was made Chief of Staff to the Commander PYE, Pacific Fleet as a strategist and planner, also serving as Vice Admiral William Halsey's destroyer commander. In 1942, he was made commander of amphibious forces in the Pacific Fleet, recommending against the invasions of the Northern Marianas, Saipan, Tinian, the Marshalls, and the Carolines. This recommendation was met with disdain by both Halsey and Nimitz, who preferred an aggressive island hopping campaign to Draemel's idea of bypassing the Japanese island strongholds to "let them die on the vine" while pushing to attack the Japanese mainland. Mostly due to these disagreements, Draemel was replaced after the Battle of Midway and instead made Commandant of the 4th Naval District in Philadelphia. In 1946, he was placed on the Retired List of the navy at the rank of rear admiral. He was awarded both the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit for his services during World War II, and he died on 25 February 1971. The same document from Mayer also identifies "R.K. Turner" as Richmond Kelly Turner, who was a sophomore or "youngster" at the Naval Academy in 1906. Turner graduated from the academy in 1908, fifth in his class and "with distinction", having commanded the academy's second battalion in his final year. During World War I, he served aboard various cruisers and battleships, shortly after the war changing course into the fledgling branch of naval aviation, becoming a rated naval aviator in 1926. He became executive officer of the carrier USS Saratoga, Commander Aircraft Battle Force of the U.S. Fleet, and attended the Naval War College where Draemel was an instructor. By the beginning of World War II, Turner was a rear admiral and was the director of the navy's Department of War Plans in Naval Operations. On 25 November 1941, Turner drafted a dispatch intended for release by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), in which he warned of a likely impending attack by the Empire of Japan. The CNO took this message to the president, who softened the language of the message, lowering its tone of urgency, and released it under his own name. Many claim that this change in language played a role in the lack of combat readiness among the fleet at Pearl Harbor, as well as the disastrous defeat that took place there on 7 December 1941. In December that same year, Turner was appointed assistant chief of staff to the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, and in June of 1942 was appointed commander of Amphibious Force, South Pacific Force. Through the rest of the war, Turner held various senior amphibious commands which had him involved in almost every major amphibious operation in the Pacific Theater including Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands, Tarawa, Makin, the Marshall Islands, Tinian, Guam, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. On 24 May 1945, Turner was promoted to full admiral, and there is little doubt that had there been an invasion of the Japanese mainland undertaken, it would have been Admiral Turner that commanded it. He was present at the surrender of the Empire of Japan and can be seen in many of the photographs of the signing of the surrender, some of which are included. He retired from active duty in 1947 and died in 1961. A plethora of items are included with the lot, many related to either of these men. In a small display case are two sets of shoulder boards, one for a rear admiral and one for a midshipman second class at the Naval Academy, a Navy Cross, two Distinguished Service Medals, two Legion of Merit medals, two sets of stars, one for a rear admiral (upper half) and one for an admiral, a Great White Fleet challenge coin, an empty brass case (possibly for a compass), and an empty pocket watch case marked "BUREAU OF SHIPS/U.S. NAVY/COMPARING WATCH" and dated 1942. An 1872 Pattern U.S. naval officer's sword is included with the Draemel's initials inscribed on the top of the pommel and has an ornately etched blade. A cased epaulette set bearing commander rank with bicorne hat and sword belt. The lot also includes a large grouping of books, many of which are copies of "Lucky Bag" (Naval Academy yearbook) from various years, some pertaining to amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater, a naval aviation book in a hardwood case, and some pertaining generally to the navy. There is a framed print of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1908 by Richard Rummell. Along with all of this is a "souvenir copy" of "Instrument of Surrender of the Japanese Emperor and Government at Tokyo Bay" which is signed by Admiral Turner to Lieutenant R.P. Mathias, also of the U.S. Navy, as well as various pictures taken at the surrender ceremony. The pistol itself was manufactured in 1906 and exhibits remnants of the early-production high polish blue finish and rounded hammer which was completely phased out around serial number 37000, when the numbers began ascending again from 30200 to 43266. This pistol was manufactured in the first serial number block descending from 15200 to 11000. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line patent date and two-line address arranged in two blocks with the circled Rampant Colt at the rear. The right side of the slide has the two-line caliber marking in front of the ejector port. The left side of the frame has the serial number and "VP" and "1" on the trigger guard. It is fitted with blade and rounded top notch sights, serrations at the rear of the slide, a lanyard swivel on the lower left of the grip frame, and an unmarked full blue magazine. The grips were likely fitted by Draemel during the pistol's time of use and have been carved with his initials "MD" on the left, a Billiken on the right (a popular good luck charm around the time), and matching checkering patterns on both.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Colt auto

Exceptional U.S. World War II Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 3325

U.S. World War II Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1944. The left of the slide has the two-line Remington-Rand address, "P" proof on top, and the frame is marked with the standard U.S. property and army nomenclature on the right with the unique serial number ("9", second to last digit in the serial number struck low, a unique factory error), while the left has an "FJA" inspection mark and "P" proof. Fitted with blade and notch sights, checkered narrow hammer, long grip safety, arched serrated mainspring housing, full blue barrel with "P" and "F" marked lug, reinforced grips, and full blue "S" magazine.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

U.S. Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 National Match Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 3329

U.S. Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 National Match Pistol

Originally produced by Remington-Rand in 1943, this pistol was subsequently selected for upgrade to a National Match competition-grade pistol. The left of the slide has the standard Remington-Rand markings while the right is partially numbered to the gun with "2153". Serrated Patridge blade front sight and adjustable rear sight, "7267718/NM" bushing, full blued barrel marked ".45 AUTO/NM 7790313" and numbered to the gun on the chamber hood, and an "FJA" inspected frame with "SA", "P", and "NM" stamps. Equipped with a long serrated adjustable trigger, checkered narrow hammer, checkered front strap, arched serrated mainspring housing with lanyard loop, checkered walnut grips, and a full blue magazine with "COLT/.45 AUTO" marked base plate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

Lot 3332

U.S. World War II Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Pistol

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 ACP

Price Realized:

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