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  • Auction Catalog #52
  • Lot #641
Lot #640
Lot #642

Lot 641: Ballester Molina 1911 Pistol 22 LR

Argentine Ballester-Molina 22 Caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol, Documented to Noted 20th Century American Pianist Liberace

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 20, 2011

Lot 641: Ballester Molina 1911 Pistol 22 LR

Argentine Ballester-Molina 22 Caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol, Documented to Noted 20th Century American Pianist Liberace

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 20, 2011

Estimated Price: $1,500 - $2,000
Price Realized:
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Argentine Ballester-Molina 22 Caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol, Documented to Noted 20th Century American Pianist Liberace

Manufacturer: Ballester Molina
Model: 1911
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 22 LR
Barrel: 5 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: hardwood
Stock:
Item Views: 6460
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 126
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Identical in control and handling to the 45 caliber model, the 22 LR Ballester-Molina pistol uses a floating chamber system in the style of the Colt Service Model Ace. Fixed blade and notch sights, with the three line legend "PISTOLA AUTOMATICA CAL. 22. FABRICADA POR "HAFDASA"/ PATENTES INTERNACIONALES "BALLESTER-MOLINA"/ INDUSTRIA ARGENTINA" on the left side of the slide, enhanced with a gold fill and the serial number on the left side of the arched back strap in white. Fitted with serrated grips. Included with the pistol are two documents: the first is a handwritten letter on gold letterhead from Dora Liberace, sister-in-law of noted pianist Wladziu Liberace, which describes this gun as his, and a copy of a letter from the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, which verifies the first letter. Operating under several stage names but achieving greatest fame using simply his last name, Liberace's show business career ran multiple decades on stage, screen and record.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, with 98% of the original blue finish, showing some mild wear along the edges, scattered light scratches and handling marks overall. Grips are very good, with a few dings and chips. Mechanically excellent.



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