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  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #3393
Lot #3392
Lot #3394

Lot 3393: Colt Pocket Positive Revolver Attributed to Founder of the OSS

Historic Colt Pocket Positive Double Action Revolver Attributed to General William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan, Founder of the OSS, with Pearl Grips, Factory Box, and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Lot 3393: Colt Pocket Positive Revolver Attributed to Founder of the OSS

Historic Colt Pocket Positive Double Action Revolver Attributed to General William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan, Founder of the OSS, with Pearl Grips, Factory Box, and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Estimated Price: $2,000 - $3,000
Price Realized:
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Historic Colt Pocket Positive Double Action Revolver Attributed to General William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan, Founder of the OSS, with Pearl Grips, Factory Box, and Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Pocket Positive
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 32 police
Barrel: 2 1/2 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: pearl
Stock:
Item Views: 426
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 248
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with some light streaking and crisp rifling.
Description:

Manufactured in 1925, this is an attractive Colt Pocket Positive revolver that includes documentation linking it to the founder of the OSS, General William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan. The included factory letter confirms the configuration apart from the grips (listed as rubber), as well as shipment to Weed & Co. in Buffalo, New York on 28 December 1925 as a single gun shipment. It also shows the notation at the bottom of the letter regarding a now removed "C.W." stamping on the back strap. Also included is a 1995 dated letter from Jim Gladhill stating that he acquired the revolver from a store called Security Outlets, who had acquired it from a neighboring gentleman who stated that he had worked for and was given the revolver by General William J. Donovan. Also included is a copy of "Donovan of OSS" by Corey Ford which the previously mentioned letter states confirms that Donovan was in Buffalo serving as a New York States Attorney. The revolver itself has standard markings and features apart from being fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips with Colt medallions during its period of use. Includes a first edition copy of the previously mentioned documentation and book, as well as the original factory box with correct end label and a pair of hard rubber grips (non-matching).

Rating Definition:

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original nickel finish with polished back strap (see above), some scattered light handling marks, and light cylinder drag line. The replacement grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The book and box are fine with some mild wear and aging. The extra grips are good with mild wear and a chip.



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