Page 308 - 83-BOOK1

LOT 429
Rare Documented U.S. Naval Academy Marksmanship Trophy U.S. Remington-Rand Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol
with Certification of Award - Serial no. 2443529, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Originally manufactured
in 1945, this pistol was subsequently arsenal upgraded to its current
configuration as a prize to be awarded for marksmanship proficiency from the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. The pistol was won by Robert O. Hawkins Jr. who, at the time, would have been a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. Hawkins graduated
from the academy in 1961 with a BS in engineering. An included scan of a Certificate of Title lists the pistol by serial number and that it was presented to Hawkins. The left of the slide has the standard Remington-Rand address while the right is inscribed “SECRETARY OF THE
NAVY’S PISTOL TROPHY-1961/WON BY MIDSHIPMAN ROBERT O. HAWKINS, JR, U.S.N.” The frame bears the standard markings including “FJA” inspection marking. It is fitted with tall blade and notch sights,
jewelled barrel chamber and hammer sides, reinforced grips, and an unmarked full blue magazine. CONDITION: Very fine as arsenal upgraded for presentation, retains 98% plus of the high polish blue finish with some very light edge and cycling wear. The grips are excellent with a few scattered light
handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 430
U.S. Property Marked World War II Production Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic
Pistol Attributed to Brigadier General Alfred Maxwell with Box and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 569720, 32 ACP cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., parkerized
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1943 with “U.S. PROPERTY” mark on the
right side of the frame. Matching number slide and frame. Introduced as a
commercial pistol, the 1903 was adopted by the U.S. military after proving
a commercial success and became the standard sidearm for
General Officers during WWII and still issued into the 1970s.
The included factory letter confirms the current configuration
(grips not listed) as well as shipment to Springfield Armory on 30
January 1945. The consignor notes that this pistol was inherited
from Olive Maxwell, widow of Brigadier General Alfred Maxwell,
who was appointed director of operations of U.S. Strategic Air
Forces in Europe in 1944. This pistols serial number falls in the
middle of known General Officer pistols with 569718 and 569726 both identified. Includes a Kraft style box numbered to another pistol (569711), which is listed as issued to Brigadier General T.L. Hobin.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 99% plus of the arsenal refurbished parkerized finish with some scattered very light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The replacement magazine is for a .380 Colt Auto. The box is very good with mild wear and a few tears.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 431
Documented U.S. Navy Shipped Colt Model 1911A1 Semi- Automatic Pistol Formerly of the Charles W. Clawson
Collection - Serial no. 797250, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in 1942, this is one
of 3,982 Colt Model 1911A1 pistols sold to the U.S. Navy that year,
and was shipped to the commanding officer at the Naval Supply Depot, Sewalls Point, Virginia on 24 July 1942. The left side of the
slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address, bisected by the Rampant Colt. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property, model, and serial number, while the left has the “W.B.” inspector’s mark and “P” proof. The full blue barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” and “G” on the underside. Fitted with blade and notch sights, reinforced checkered plastic grips, and
a full blue magazine marked “COLT/45 AUTO.” on the base. Includes a letter from/signed by Charles W. Clawson detailing the shipment information of this pistol, that the “S” marking on top of the receiver means it was originally intended for commercial sales before being moved to military production, and that it was formerly of his personal collection.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original parkerized finish with
the balance having thinned to a mostly smooth grey patina, primarily on edges and handling areas. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
Brigadier General Alfred Maxwell
Collector’s Fact
This rare U.S. Navy shipped pistol is 1 of only 3,982 Colt Model 1911A1 pistols sold to the U.S. Navy in 1942.
306