This is a beautiful, original Colt "US PROPERTY" marked Model 1903 pocket automatic pistol with General Officers Model 1911A1 Pistol holster. These pistols were a very successful design that was eventually used as the standard sidearm for General Officers from WWII until the 1970s. This specific pistol was manufactured in 1942 and has the standard Colt factory two line address and patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The serial number is located on the left side of the frame with the right side of the frame marked "U.S. PROPERTY" directly above the trigger. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The slide is equipped with fixed sights and checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions. It is complete with an early unmarked smooth leather General Officers type holster for the Model 1911A1 pistol. This excellent example is not listed as a GO pistol in the book "The Colt U.S. General Officer's Pistols" by Greeley, but the consignor has stated that this specific pistol was handed down to him from his great uncle; Idwal H. Edwards, a 3-Star General in the Army Air Corp, who had obtained this pistol as his personal sidearm during his military career. Also included with this highly desirable pistol is a short military biography of General Edwards, whose military career spanned approximately 37 years. The General enlisted in the US Army in 1917 and was transferred to the US Army Air Corp in 1918. Between WWI and WWII, he served in the Philippines and Hawaii, graduated form the Army War College in 1938. He was the Commanding Officer of Rudolph Field, Texas at the outbreak of WWII and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on May 1942. He served in several staff positions during WWII to include Deputy Commander of the US Army Air Corp, Mediterranean Theater in 1944/45 and later as Commanding Officer US Air Forces, Europe from March 1946 to August 1947. The General received several medals and commendations during his career and retired from active duty in Feb. 1953.

Excellent with 98% plus of the original blue finish overall with only very minor edge and high spot wear. The grips are also excellent with nice distinct, sharp checkering on both sides with only a couple very minor handling marks. The holster is also excellent with nice original color overall with just a slight amount of wear or handling with nice tight stitching overall. A scarce and desirable WWII Colt Model 1903 pistol.