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Exceptional World War I U.S. Army Colt Contract Model 1911 Semi-Automatic with World War I Aeronauti

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Exceptional World War I U.S. Army Colt Contract Model 1911 Semi-Automatic with World War I Aeronauti
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Exceptional World War I U.S. Army Colt Contract Model 1911 Semi-Automatic with World War I Aeronautical Documents and Holster

This is a beautiful example of a early 1918 US Army, Colt contract pistol that is accompanied with a set of documents (provided by the consignor) from James Burrell who was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Service ( Aeronautics) in June 1918. The pistol itself is a very nice late totally original WWI military contract pistol that has the new "block" style markings but still retains the wartime brushed blue military finish, diamond checkered walnut grips and the two-tone magazine. The accompanying documents for Mr. Burrell include a certificate awarding him a Corporal-Sharpshooter in July 1916, he received a Certificate of Graduation from the US School of Military Aeronautics, at Princeton University, February 1918 and then was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army "Air Service" (Aeronautics) in June 1918. His service record which also accompanies this lot notes that he entered service as a Pilot Flying Cadet in Oct 1917 and was subsequently discharged in late June 1918. It would certainly be worth doing some additional research to determine who James Burrell actually was. The right side of the frame is stamped with the serial number: "No 219896" behind the slide stop hole and the right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY". The left side of the slide is marked with the 1897-1913 patent dates in a two-line block followed by the two-line Hartford address, with the Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations. The left side of the frame is stamped with the circled initials "GHS" monogram of the US Army Ordnance inspector Gilbert H. Stewart. The top flat of the frame around the disconnector hole is stamped with the small Provisional Ordnance Inspector's, assembler's and Colt production order proofmark that consists of a small "H", "W" and "G" proof. The blue barrel has a separated "P" and "H" proofmark stamped on the chamber and it is fitted with the correct WWI blue and checkered thumb safety, slide release, flat main spring housing and Colt wide spur checkered hammer. It has the correct diamond checkered walnut grips and is complete with the correct two-tone blue magazine. The pistol is accompanied by an original WWI brown leather "US" marked flap holster stamped on the back, "G&K/ 1917/J.A.O."

Manufucture: Colt
Model: 1911
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 219896

Excellent overall. The pistol retains 98% plus of the crisp original brushed blue military finish with some minor flaking on the lower rear edge of the main spring housing and edges, the chamber area of the barrel, and a hint of blue thinning on the front grip strap. The grips are excellent showing light wear across the tops of the crisp checkering with some very minor nicks and chips and a small pressure dent in the middle of the left panel. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with some light wear and tight stitching. An exceptional example of a late WWI Colt contract Model 1911 pistol.