Page 341 - Auction84-Book1

The left side of the frame has the large size “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” marking, which was switched to a smaller font around serial number 115. Walter G. Penfield’s “WGP” monogram inspector’s mark is also on the left of the frame in its early 90 degree clockwise rotated format, which was seen on only the first 100 Model 1911s produced. The serial number is in the early “No.95” format and forward location on the right of the frame which were changed at serial numbers 4501 and 7501 respectively. The right side of the slide is marked with the iconic “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. The pistol shows the early lustrous, high polish, mirror-like blue finish and fiery niter blue small parts. The early production replacement barrel is fully blued and marked
“N” on the bottom in front of the lug. It is fitted with fixed blade and round top notch rear sights, the early hand-checkered slide stop and thumb safety which were only seen on the first 150 pistols, the “dimpled” magazine catch which was seen on pistols up to serial number 3189, wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, smooth flat mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, a pair of double-diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and a slightly later pattern replacement two- tone “keyhole” magazine with a lanyard loop.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus of the early, bright, original high polish blue finish and 75% plus of the original niter blue with the balance having mostly thinned to a smooth grey patina, primarily on the edges and grip straps. The grips are also very good showing some moderate wear and a few scattered minor blemishes in the overall well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Two-digit serial number U.S. Colt Model 1911 pistols are rare in any condition; with this example being better than most, it is certainly a piece of Colt and U.S. military history that could become a cornerstone of your collection!
Estimate: 55,000 - 85,000
UNITED STATES PROPERTY
THIS EARLY PRODUCTION PISTOL HAS MULTIPLE RARE FEATURES, INCLUDING THE LARGE "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" MARKING, WHICH WAS ONLY USED UNTIL AROUND SERIAL NUMBER 115
THIS PISTOL HAS THE EARLY "DIMPLED" PATTERN MAGAZINE RELEASE, WHICH WAS REPLACED AT SERIAL NUMBER 3190
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