Lot 425: U.S. Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless General Officer's Pistol

Manufactured in 1944, this Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistol was subsequently issued to Brigadier General Chauncey D. Merrill on 10 July 1956 (p. 153 "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols" by Brunner). Merrill began his military career in 1918 and is said to have held every rank in the army starting from private until his retirement in 1960. In 1957, he became commander of the 94th Infantry Division. The slide has the standard two-line address and patent dates on the left followed by the Rampant Colt and the two-line caliber marking on the right. The right of the frame is marked "U.S. PROPERTY", and the left has the serial number. The left of the trigger guard has faint "VP" and "4" markings, while the right is marked "66". It is fitted with blade and notch sights and a pair of checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Includes an unmarked black leather holster.

Very fine, retains 95% plus of the arsenal refurbished parkerized finish with some light holster type edge wear and a few scattered light handling marks. The grips are fine with a few minor flat spots and blemishes in the otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with some mild wear.