Manufactured in 1940, this is an exceptional original example of a Colt .38 Super pistol, which was one of the weapons acquired by the British Purchasing Commission (with Winchester Repeating Arms Co. assistance) after the defeat in the Battle of France and subsequent evacuation at Dunkirk. Having lost an irreplaceable amount of equipment and weapons during the hurried evacuation of the British expeditionary force in the early summer of 1940, the British government was desperately trying to rearm themselves for a feared German invasion. They started purchasing large amounts of weapons from the U.S., regardless of vintage or caliber, many of which were used to rearm their front line troops as well as the newly formed Home Guard which was to be the last line of defence against the German wave sweeping across Europe. According to the included factory letter, which also confirms the configuration, this pistol was sold to the British Purchasing Commission and shipped via Winchester Repeating Arms Co. on 15 July 1940, just five days after the start of the Battle of Britain, in a shipment of 1,000 guns. It has the standard markings and features of a pre-World War II Colt .38 Super pistol with desirable Swartz safety as well as a large strip of red paint on top of the slide to denote its non-standard caliber as well as a British military "broad arrow/crown/W9/sideways E" proof on the left rear of the slide. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with the balance a smooth grey patina, primarily in the form of some light edge wear, some scattered mild spotting, and some thinning on the front strap. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.