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LOT 556
Exceptional World War II 1941 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1
Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter
and Holster - Serial no. 733944, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round
bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in 1941, the Robert Sears inspected Colts marked the transition point from Colt’s high polish blue to the parkerization treatment that would become the standard for the rest
of the war, with this example receiving the “brush” polish blue. Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service
Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1” lists this pistol in a shipment of 3,150 pistols on 28 June 1941, on p. 396.
The included factory letter confirms this shipping information as well as the current configuration. The left side
of the matching numbered slide has the two-line, two-block, patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt
between, and the right side of the slide is devoid of markings. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property marking, serial number, and model designation, with “69” on the trigger guard. The left side of the frame has the boxed “R.S.” Robert Sears inspection mark, “P” proof, and “T” over “VP” proof on the trigger guard. The top of the slide also has a “P” proof. The blued barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” on the bottom left, “P” on the left
of the lug, and “G” on the bottom in front of the lug. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short checkered trigger, long grip safety, arched checkered mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, a two-tone “A” marked magazine, and correct “hollow back” non-reinforced checkered plastic grips. Includes a “US” leather holster stamped “ W. F. ROBERSON/O-287296” inside the flap.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% plus of the bright original “brush” blue finish with some very light edge wear and a few scattered light handling/ takedown marks. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The replacement magazine has scattered deep pitting spots on the right side. The holster is fine with some mild wear.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 557
Rare Unopened U.S. Navy Atlantic Escape and Evasion “Barter Kit” - Serial no. NA. Designed for and issued to American pilots possibly as early as World War II, but more likely during the Cold War era, for use in the event they were downed behind enemy lines, or otherwise found themselves in hostile territory. On average the kits contained approximately .90 Troy ounces of fine gold in the form of coins and rings, and were issued sealed. Due to the value of the individual kits, each kit was serial numbered and had to be signed out and signed back in with all contents accounted for if the kit was opened in the course of duty. This particular kit is the Atlantic variation (kits were made for both the European and Pacific theaters), which would traditionally contain a British 1 Pound gold Sovereign, two British gold half Sovereigns, a 10 Franc coin, a 20 Franc coin, and three golden rings. The case itself is hard rubber and marked “IF FOUND RETURN TO/COMNAVAIRLANT (CNAL 34)/NORFOLK, VIRGINIA” on both sides and the individual serial number “896” is visible on one side. The writer’s belief that these are Cold War artifacts is due to “NAV” not being added to the “COMNAVAIRLANT” title until the 1950’s, prior to then it was simply referred to as “COMAIRLANT”, or Commander, Air Force Atlantic. Includes copies of multiple documents pertaining to the original sale of these kits by the Defense Logistics Agency as well as two photos of the contents of a similar kit which had been opened.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining its original seal and presumably original contents with some light handling/storage marks on the hard rubber case. An interesting piece of World War II/Cold War era U.S. Military equipment!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
  
















































































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