Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 344

Lot 344:WWI Era U.S. Marine Corps Shipped Colt Model 1911 Pistol

December 6th, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 344

Lot 344:WWI Era U.S. Marine Corps Shipped Colt Model 1911 Pistol

December 6th, 2024|Bedford, TX
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$9,500 - $16,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Documented Historic World War I Era U.S. Marine Corps Shipped Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol with World War I "Hate Belt", Photographs, and Documents Attributed to Corporal Andrew Liebler

Manufactured in 1913, this is a fine example of a World War I era, United States Marine Corps shipped, Colt Model 1911 pistol. During the course of World War I, Colt shipped a total of approximately 9,950 Model 1911 pistols to the Marine Corps and at least 25 Government Models, making these pistols incredibly scarce in comparison to their Army shipped counterparts. Unlike the Navy contract Model 1911 pistols, many of which have a special slide marking, those that were shipped to the Marine Corps had the standard Army nomenclature, as is present on this example. Included with the pistol are a plethora of accessories and documents which are attributed to Corporal Andrew P. Liebler. One of the included document lists Liebler as enlisting on 26 April 1918, serving in the 801st Stevedore Battalion of the Transportation Corps, and being discharged on 10 January 1920. The stevedore battalions were very important in supporting the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. These units, many of which consisted of African American troops, were tasked with serving in ports in both the U.S. and in France, disembarking supplies and equipment, as well as refueling and resupplying the supply vessels themselves. Included with the pistol is a magnificent "hate belt" which features buttons, medals, and insignia from various nations involved in the war, both allied and enemy, even including a 1914 dated iron cross. Liebler's position in the ports where a wide variety of troops and prisoners were coming and going positioned him perfectly to acquire such a collection, possibly even this Model 1911, which had likely been issued to a Marine Corps officer. Also included is a plethora of photographs, some with handwritten notes on the back, Liebler's personal pocket diary with many pages of notations, and a variety of postcards from France with handwritten messages from Liebler. There is also a brass 10 gauge shell that was converted into a cigarette lighter. The final item included with the pistol is a leather saddle bag with a faint "US" marking on the flap. The pistol itself is listed on p. 515 of "U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1902" as having been part of a 1,250 gun shipment to the United States Marine Corps in Philadelphia on 9 July 1913. It is unclear if this pistol ended up in the hands of Liebler at some point during his service in the war, or if the accessories were later paired with it. It is a fine example of Colt's production just prior to the outbreak of war in Europe. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address, with the Rampant Colt behind the grip serrations. The right side of the slide has the model and U.S. Army nomenclature. The left of the frame has the U.S. property marking and "WGP" inspection mark, while the right has the serial number. The blued barrel is marked "P H" on the chamber hood and has a faint/illegible marking on the left of the lug. It is fitted with the early style blade front and rounded top notch rear sights. It has a checkered slide stop, thumb safety, and wide hammer. The mainspring housing is flat and smooth with a lanyard loop at the base. It is fitted with a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips and a two-tone magazine with a lanyard loop base.

ConditionFine, with 60% of the original blue finish with the balance a grey patina, mild holster and handling wear, and some scattered patches of light spotting. The grips are good with moderate to heavy handling wear and some scattered light marks with otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The belt and its attachments show an attractively aged patina overall. The photographs and documents are good with moderate wear. The saddlebag is fair as well-worn. This is a fantastic opportunity to add both a fine and historic example of a highly desirable U.S. Marine Corps shipped, Colt Model 1911 pistol to your collection, with the added bonus of other unique World War I items!
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1911
TypePistol
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Handgun
Caliber / Gauge45 ACP
Barrel5 inch round
Finishblue
Gripwalnut
Bore conditionFrosted with light speckled oxidation and distinct rifling.

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views3899
Catalog page322
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 1300WWI U.S. Colt M1911 Pistol with Holster and Factory Letter
View Lot
Lot 3386Pre-WWII USMC Colt Shooting Master Revolver with Factory Letter
View Lot
Lot 3651941 Production World War II U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol
View Lot
Lot 516Two World War I Era U.S. Aviation Tunics
View Lot
Show More