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  • /Lot 618

Lot 618: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

June 21st, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 618

Lot 618: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

June 21st, 2024|Bedford, TX
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Estimated Price$5,500 - $9,500
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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

This Colt Military Model 1902 pistol was manufactured in 1906. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed), including the inscription, when shipped to M.S.-R.K. Turner on February 6, 1906. The grips are carved with the initials "MD" on the left, a Billiken on the right (a popular good luck charm around the time), and matching checkering patterns on both. 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. Draemel was a company commander and second battalion staff at the academy, and was also given a teaching position instructing younger midshipmen. 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. Draemel was replaced after the Battle of Midway and 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. A plethora of items are included with the lot. 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.

ConditionVery good with some original finish in protected areas and scattered patches of light pitting. The grips are fine with light handling marks, three replacement screws, and a small patch of glue on one of the letters on the left. Mechanically excellent. The sword is fine showing an attractive aged patina. Other accessories are fine or better. The books, photos, and documents are good or better.
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1902 Military
TypePistol
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Handgun
Caliber / Gauge38 Colt auto
Barrel6 inch round
Finishblue
Gripcarved
Bore conditionSlight Darkening - Light to moderate pitting

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views1964
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