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Outstanding Pre-World War I U.S. Navy Marked Colt Model 1911 from the Dr. Azar Collection
LOT 3518
Exceptional Highly Desirable U.S. Navy Contract Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 109889, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
A total of 15,037 of these pistols were manufactured by Colt with the desirable U.S. Navy slide marking, all of which were delivered prior to April of 1915. After that,
all Model 1911 pistols delivered to the navy would bear the standard U.S. Army nomenclature, of which there were approximately 578,473 manufactured, making this variation comparatively very scarce. This is an exceptional example of a 1915 production, U.S. Navy contract, Colt Model 1911 pistol that was shipped on 5 March 1915 to the Brooklyn Navy Yard (“Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1” by Clawson). It is finished in the military brushed blue finish that was adopted in April
of 1912. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block Colt address and patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right bears the desirable “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY”
marking. Brushed blue barrel with “P” and “H” marked
on the chamber. The left side of the frame has the U.S. property marking and “GHS” circled monogram above
the magazine release, while the serial number is on the right. It is fitted with blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, checkered slide catch, thumb safety, magazine catch, and wide hammer, long smooth trigger, smooth flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and a unmarked two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original brushed blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina on the grip areas and some edges, and a couple spots of light pitting on the upper edges of the slide near the muzzle. The grips are very fine with a few scattered minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection. Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
Collector’s Fact
Of the 578,473 Model 1911 pistols purchased for the U.S. Navy, only 15,037 were manufactured with a U.S. Navy slide legend.
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