This pistol falls within the 493,450 to 563,641 serial number range of 1,000 "U.S. PROPERTY" marked Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistols in .32 ACP intended to be sent to Britain on November 2, 1944, making it one of some 1,318 blued examples sent over throughout the war as a part of the Lend-Lease Act discussed on pages 98-99 of "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols" by Brunner. The author also notes that many of the late-war shipped pistols were likely never used, declared surplus in the 1960s, and then British proofed for subsequent sale back to the U.S. market, which may explain the high level of retained finish found on such pistols, though this specimen lacks any British proofs. This pistols is also one digit off from serial number 561,328, which is listed on page 130 of Brunner's book as issued to U.S. Brigadier General J.S. Pegg on August 15, 1967. The serial number range of 483,450 to 566,503 is also listed on page 406 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols Vol. II (1920-1945)" by Meadows as being sent to England for Lend-Lease support. Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, blued barrel marked "COLT 32 AUTO" on the left side with polished chamber, standard two-line address and patent dates with Rampant Colt behind the serrations on the left side of the slide, with caliber marking on the right and matching serial number stamped on the interior. The frame bears the "U.S. PROPERTY" marking on the right side, along with "5" on the trigger guard, with the serial number on the left side, along with "triangle/VP" and "4" on that side of the trigger guard. Fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions and full-blue magazine with "CAL.32/COLT" marked on the underside of the floor plate. The included factory letter confirms the pistol's current configuration, including a 3 3/4 inch barrel chambered for .32 caliber, blue finish, and type of grips not listed when sold to the United States Government, factory order No. 4420, and included in a shipment of 318 pistols sent to the transportation officer of the New York Port of Embarkation in Brooklyn, New York, on November 2, 1944, likely a part of the same shipment mentioned previously by Brunner. Also includes a "McAlary" marked brown leather shoulder holster fitted to the pistol. Provenance: Property of a Gentleman

Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish with some brown patina showing through on the grip straps, some minor spotting/freckling, and otherwise limited handling marks. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very fine.