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  • Auction Catalog #89
  • Lot #1339
Lot #1338
Lot #1340

Lot 1339: North American Arms Model 1911 Pistol

Extremely Rare Documented North American Arms Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 34

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2023

Lot 1339: North American Arms Model 1911 Pistol

Extremely Rare Documented North American Arms Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 34

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2023

Estimated Price: $25,000 - $40,000
Price Realized:
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Extremely Rare Documented North American Arms Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 34

Manufacturer: North American Arms
Model: 1911
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 45 ACP
Barrel: 5 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut checkered
Stock:
Item Views: 1272
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 285
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is a very rare example of an Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol that was manufactured by the "North American Arms Company Limited" of Quebec Canada. In early July 1918, the U.S. Government issued a contract for 500,000 Model 1911 pistols to the North American Arms Co., of Quebec Canada. The North American Arms Company leased the Ross Rifle plant to actually do the manufacturing and as part of the contractual arrangement, the U.S. Government was to supply all the raw materials. However due to the material shortages they were only able to supply enough material to produce approximately 100 sets of tool room parts, some of which were later assembled into completed pistols. Due to the ending of WWI, the contract was canceled in December of 1918 with no completed examples of these pistols ever being accepted by the U.S. Government. However the U.S. Ordnance salvage board did accept/reclaim this large lot of parts and assemblies as part of the contract termination settlement and which were later disposed of. These 100 pistols were uniquely marked with only a controlling serial number on the left rear section of the slide along with the factory markings also on the left side of the slide. According to a January 2002 article in "The Gun Report", Meadows indicates serial number 34 is one of only 16 examples known to exist. This specific pistol is marked on the slide "MANUFACTURED BY/NORTH AMERICAN ARMS CO. LIMITED/QUEBEC CANADA" along with control number "34" on the upper left rear end of the slide, the trigger, and the lower left rear corner of the frame under the grip. The configuration of the parts and components were the same as the standard Colt Model 1911 models. The hammer is a wide spur version similar to the Colt production models, except it is without any checkering on the spur. The grip panels are the standard checkered walnut versions. The magazine is a blued Colt manufactured half tone pattern with a lanyard loop on the base plate.

Rating Definition:

Very good, with traces of the period refurbished blue finish mostly in the protected area with the balance of the metal surface a silvery gray patina. The grips are also in very good condition with distinct checkering on both sides showing wear across the tops of the checkering and large diamonds. Mechanically excellent. This is the rarest manufacturer of a model 1911 semi-automatic pistol.



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