Offered here is an Inland M1 carbine and Colt Model 1911A1 pistol purportedly owned by American aviator Bennett Hill Griffin (1895-1979). The Golden Age of Aviation (circa 1918-1939) was a time of rapid progressive change, a revolution in aeronautical technology that set forth the emergence of commercial air travel and military airpower. It was a period characterized by daring aerial feats such as record breaking flights, air races and barnstorming and when aviators like Charles Lindberg, Wiley Post, Howard Hughes and Amelia Earhart became aerial gods. Bennett Hill Griffin was one such daring individual who was doing his part in pushing the boundaries of flight. Griffin received flight training in the U.S. Army during WWI and after the war made a career for himself in aviation. He raced and tested airplanes and attempted to set record breaking flights. While challenging Wiley Post’s 1931 record around the world flight that ended in a crash in Siberia, Griffin and Jimmy Mattern beat Amelia Earhart’s transatlantic flight record. In the mid-1930s, Griffin and his American Air Aces troupe performed at air shows around the nation. Griffin returned to active service during WWII as a U.S. Army Air Forces flight instructor and transport pilot. After WWII he oversaw the transfer of the Civil Aeronautics Administration center from Houston to Oklahoma City and served as its first director. The facility was renamed Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and serves as a FAA regional center. He finished his career as director of Washington, D.C. National Airport, which is now Reagan National Airport. The accompanying affidavit from the consignor states the M1 carbine, Model 1911A1 pistol and included accessories were given to him by fellow FAA employee and Griffin’s niece Juanita Wilcox in 1982. Wilcox was the executor of Griffin’s estate. Let's first start with the Inland M1 carbine. Griffin has hand marked the gun: "Bennie Griffin" upside down on the left side of the forearm and "Bennie Griffin/4-30-44" on the right side of the buttstock. It has an Inland barrel dated "5-43," fixed blade and two leaf flip up sights, oval oiler slot, high wood stock, two rivet handguard, smooth push button safety, canvas web sling, unmarked magazine catch and early style blued bolt with milled flat top. The stock is marked with a circled "P" on the end of the grip, "IO" in the sling cut and an ordnance cartouche on the right side of the buttstock.

Excellent. The carbine retains 95% plus original parkerized finish showing some scattered minor high edge wear and some minor handling evidence. The wood is very fine with the soldier name scratched into right side (see above), some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

Manufactured by Colt in 1943. The slide has the two-line, two-block markings divided by the Rampant Colt on the left side, "GHD" inspected frame, checkered arched mainspring housing, checkered wide hammer and unmarked two-tone magazine. Comes with canvas web belt, double magazine pouch with 2 magazines, first aid kit with pouch, Sears U.S. flap holster and 1943 Boyt shoulder holster.

Excellent. The pistol retains 95% plus original parkerized finish showing some minor high edge wear and numerous minor handling marks and scuffs. The grips are excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.