This Colt Model 1911A1 automatic pistol, holster, pistol belt, magazine pouch, magazines and helmet were issued to 1st Lieutenant Marshall Biggs, U.S. Army, at Wheeler Field, Hawaii during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. A letter from Biggs describes the events of December 7. When Japanese aircraft attacked Wheeler Field 1st LT Biggs, aide to General Nichols, the commander of all Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command within the Hawaiian area, drew this pistol and holster from the Quartermaster. In the urgency of the attack, no attempt was made to account for the pistol and holster; he retained the rig for the entire war. Bigg's service included assignment to the Wake Island relief force and service on Saipan in 1944. The accompanying Colt factory letter verifies the serial number, caliber, barrel length, lists the finish as "Blue", stock "Not Listed" and that it was 1 of 1,000 shipped to the United States Government Commanding General, Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts on October 10, 1941. The pistol has a parkerized finish, early 'Coltwood' grips with interior mold numbers but no ribs and boxed "R.S." inspection stamp on the left side of the frame above the magazine release. All three magazines are the WWI, two-tone pattern issued with early Model 1911A1 pistols. The pistol has standard Model 1911A1 markings with the "P" proof mark below the magazine release and "X / Colt Verified Proof Mark" on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The top of the frame is marked with a boxed "RS" to the right of the disconnector hole and a gothic "G" directly behind it. The slide is fitted with a 1924 pattern front sight used prior to 1942 and is stamped with a "P" mid-way between the rear sight and the ejection port. The slide and frame serial numbers match. The barrel is marked with "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left side of the chamber and "P" on the left side of the barrel lug. The hammer is the Colt wide spur pattern. The holster rig consists of a "1918" dated Warren Leather Goods Co. Model 1916 Holster, an early WWII Model 1912 pistol belt, and a WWI production magazine pouch with two spare magazines. The group includes copies of two photographs of 1st LT Biggs wearing the pistol rig and a Model 1917 helmet with early WWII liner and chinstrap modifications. A great 1941 manufactured Colt Model 1911A1 pistol rig issued during the attack on Pearl Harbor. This pistol came out of the Putnam Green collection.

Excellent plus. The pistol retains at least 98% of the original parkerized finish. The limited visible wear is mostly confined to the forward edges of the slide at the end receiver and the mainspring housing. The bore is in very good condition with some darkness in grooves. Grips are excellent with only light handling marks and sharp checkering. The holster, pistol belt and magazine pouch show moderate service wear and a few minor stains, but remain in fine condition. The helmet is good with overall moderate pitting and the liner is very good.