Identical to examples attributed to the Pusan Iron Works in Pusan (currently romanticized as Busan), South Korea, this is a close copy of the U.S. 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol. One of the few areas not to fall into North Korean hands in the opening months of the Korean War, Pusan (namesake of the Pusan Perimeter held by U.N. forces) would be a critical nerve center for the eventual breakout back north, and the Iron Works is believed to have worked with a combination of in-house and American components. Most of the changes to the design are for more streamlined production, like the elimination of grip screw bushings in favor of a wide-bodied grip screw that attaches straight to the frame and the use of a longer, non-inertia driven firing pin, for example. Blade front and notch rear sights, with one line of Korean markings on the left side of the slide and another on the right side of the frame over the serial number. Fitted with a serrated short trigger, dished frame sides, thin serrated hammer, long grip safety, arched serrated mainspring housing, checkered grips, "L" marked magazine, and an unmarked barrel. The barrel shows some polishing in regions associated with WWII era inspector marks, and may be a U.S. component, along with the magazine. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection

Fine. The bright surface has taken on a mixed gray patina, with patches of pitting on the slide and frame, edge wear, and handling marks. The grips are good, with strong checkering and mild wear. Mechanically needs adjustment.