This is an exceptional example of a early "U.S. Property" marked Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Pistol, in the desirable .380 ACP caliber that was manufactured in 1945, that was issued or acquired by Brig. Gen. Whisner during his career. This pistol is accompanied by a short hand written letter from John A. MaCleod, (on his letter head stationary) who was the son in law of BG Whisner, who himself was also a Brig. Gen in the US Army. The letter notes that BG Whisner was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1917 and served for 36 years in the Army retiring in 1953. This pistol had been in the possession of BG MaCleod who sold it to a collector in 2003. We believe that the consignor had current display case built for this pistol along with the noted letter which is shown in the case along with a picture of BG MaCleod. This lot also includes the following documents for BG MaCleod; a copy of the Death Certificate from the US Army; Notice of Internment (from the VA) in Little Rock National Cemetery in 1984 along with an obituary for BG Whisner dated 1984. The obituary for BG Whisner states that he served during WWI, and WWII, with foreign duty stations in France, Germany, Philippines, Saipan, Guam, China and French-Indochina. During these deployments he was on the Staff of the Commanding General of the Hawaiian Dept at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor In 1941; a member of President Truman's mission to China 1946-47, also on his mission to Turkey from 1947-1948. He was also a member of the American mission to French Indochina, 1951-1953 and helped arm/supply the forces of South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. He was awarded the Bronze Star twice for meritorious service and the Legion of Merit. During his service to Vietnam he has served with the C.I.A. in Washington D.C. This exceptional pistol has the all blue commercial finish and is fitted with checkered walnut grips with silver plated Colt Medallions. The right side of the frame is marked "U.S. PROPERTY" and the left side has the "M" prefix serial number "137863" with the small Cross-Cannon US Ordnance proof behind the slide lock. The left side of the slide is marked with the two line Colt address and patent dates of 1897 and 1903, with the Rampant Colt trademark behind the slide serrations. The right side is roll marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS". The left side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with the Colt "VP" proof, with the right side stamped with the Colt sub inspector proof of "57". The slide has the later flat top rear sight and standard front sight blade. The magazine is blue and the floor plate is marked "CAL.380/COLT". This lot also includes an original WWII M3 brown leather shoulder holster.

Excellent plus with 99% of the original Colt factory blue finish overall with just a hint of edge wear. The walnut grips are also excellent plus with nice sharp distinct checkering on both sides. The M3 holster is fair showing much overall use but still retaining all the straps and tight stitching. The display case, letters and documentation are all excellent. A nice, ready to go display case with an outstanding original Colt M1908 GO pistol.