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LOT 3519
Historic Post World War I Era British R.A.F. Marked Colt Government Model Semi- Automatic Pistol with Grip Inscribed to Major P.J. Campbell - Serial no. W110163, 455 Webley cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This pistol falls within a large block of Colt Government Model pistols shipped to the British Ministry of Shipping in early 1919, right after the conclusion of World War I. The left side of the slide has the Rampant Colt between the patent dates and Colt address, each in two lines. while the right is marked with the .455 caliber marking. The right of the frame has the Government Model marking over the “W” prefixed serial number. British military proofs are visible on multiple parts, as well as “RAF.” on the left of the frame and “SPA” on the right of the slide. The left grip is carved with a panel featuring the inscription “P.J.CAMPBELL/MAJOR/9thC.R.T.” The most likely candidate for this inscription is Major Peter John Campbell who was born in Inverness, Scotland. He began his military career with the 50th Regiment Gordon Highlanders (Canada), where he served as a color sergeant. He then joined the 1st Pioneer Battalion as a lieutenant, which was part of the Canadian expeditionary force, serving with the 1st Canadian Division through The Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme, before becoming the 9th Canadian Railway Troops in February of 1917. The pistol is fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, diamond pattern checkered grips, and a two-tone magazine with “CAL.455/ELEY” and a lanyard ring on the base. This pistol shipped very near to the time that the men of the 9th C.R.T. were discharged and sent home and it is likely that this pistol was presented to Major Campbell as a parting gift. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% plus of the dull arsenal refinished blue with a few scattered dark blue rough patches and some light edge wear showing a smooth grey patina. The grips are fine with the finely executed, period added, inscription panel (see above) with some scattered minor dings and scratches, and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500 LOT 3520 Documented, Rhode Island National Guard Shipped, Early Production Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter and Holster - Serial no. C8282, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1914, this early Colt Government Model pistol was ordered by the Rhode Island National Guard along with 11 other Government Model pistols, all of which were shipped on 17 September 1914. This shipment is listed on p. 256-257 of “The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911” by Goddard. Though not in the traditional sense, this pistol could be considered what is often termed a “commercial issue”, or a commercially manufactured Government Model that was privately
purchased by or presented to someone in the military. These Government Model pistols were the cutting edge of firearms technology at the time and it is clear that both civilian and military personnel alike couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. This specific pistol is interesting
in that it was won by a military officer, rather than being purchased. This is evidenced by the non-factory applied inscription on the right of the slide that reads “CHAMPIONSHIP 1916/R.I.N.G./WON BY/1st LIEUT. GUY G. ALLEN/13th CO. C.A.C.”Though no further information on Lieutenant Allen could be found at this time, it appears that he was a member of the 13th
Company of the Coastal Artillery Corps, and likely was an excellent marksman. Apart from the inscription, the left side of the slide has the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address with the Rampant
Colt behind the serrations, while the caliber markings are on the right. The right side of the frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL” over the serial number, and the left side of the trigger guard is marked “VP” and “R”. The replacement military brushed blue barrel is marked with a conjoined “HP” on the chamber. The pistol has standard features and is furnished with an unmarked replacement two-tone magazine. Includes an unmarked leather holster similar in pattern to the U.S. Model 1912. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) and shipping information outlined above.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% of the original blue finish with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on high spots and the grip areas. The grips are very good with some scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some mild wear and some mild oxidation on the iron fittings. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK THE GOVERNMENT MODELS BY GODDARD
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