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Rare and Historically Unique World War I Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Silver Pre

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Semiautomatic Handguns Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Rare and Historically Unique World War I Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Silver Pre
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Rare and Historically Unique World War I Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Silver Presentation Plaque Inscribed for Bravery to Lt. Col. Sherbrook D.S.O. of the 1st Batt MG Corp

This is a fabulous and extremely historic early production Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol that was presented to Lt. Col. Sherbrook who received the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) for his actions on May 1915 during the British attack on the German trenches at Zonebeke, during the Battle of Ypres in Belgium. The city of Ypres had been a major center for exquisite fabrics and textiles for all of its existence and was a pivotal battle field area for hundreds of years being invaded first by the Roman Empire in the 1st Century B.C., as it was the gate way to France. The period of Feb-May 1915 in which Lt. Col. Sherbrook received his award, for the city of Ypres battle was technically termed the Second battle of Ypres, as it was captured early on by the Germans during the First Battle for Ypres (Oct-Nov 1914) with the British attempting to recapture the city. Tragically during the Second Battle for Ypres, April 1915 was the first time that the German Army used mustard gas during WWI. On the outside of the lid of the case itself is a 2 1/2 inch X 4 inch silver presentation plaque that has been beautifully engraved with "PRESENTED TO/LIET. COL. SHERBROOK. D.S.O./No.1 BATTALION MACHINE GUN CORPS/FOR CONSPICIOUS BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY/WHEN IN COMMAND OF TACTICAL POINTS DURING THE/ATTACK ON THE GERMAN TRENCHES AT ZONEBEKE/MAY 8th 1915./ BATTLE OF YEPES". The pistol that is included with this lot is a correct British WWI Colt commercial contract pistol that falls into those manufactured in late 1916 or early 1917, (obviously the pistol was presented after the battle took place) that has the correct British acceptance proofs. The left side of the slide has the standard two line Colt patent and address markings with the Rampant Colt logo behind the serrations. The right side is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45". The right side of the frame is correctly marked "GOVERNMENT MODEL" over the serial number "C 34396". The left side of the pistol has the correct "Crown/V" proofs on the frame, slide and barrel with the additional British "Crown/GP" firing proof (for the London Proof House) on the chamber area of the barrel. It has an all blue, unmarked Colt barrel with a polished chamber area with a single "P" proof in front of the barrel lug and the noted proofs over the chamber. It has the correct early Colt parts. This superb pistol is housed in an original British presentation case as purchased or contracted for by the "Army & Navy/ Co-Operative Society Ltd., Westminster S.W." as noted on the label inside the lid. The case is approximately 12 1/2 inches by 7 inches and has four compartments with a bullet board that would hold 21 rounds of ammunition, (not included with this lot). The case has green felt lining and currently has two spare, two-tone Colt magazines with lanyard loops on the bases and a box of 20 rounds of WWI 45 ACP ammunition manufactured by Frankfurt Arsenal. This exquisite presentation pistol is accompanied by a historical letter from the Imperial War museum in London, which provides some background on the time and events on which this award was presented.

Manufacture: Colt
Model: Government
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: C34396

Extremely fine as partially refurbished with 98% of the original Colt blue finish on the frame and all the various components with the slide showing 98% of an old retailer applied dipped blue finish. The markings and proofs are clear and sharp. The walnut grips are near fine with nice distinct checkering, showing light wear across the tops of the checkering on the right side grip. The presentation case is also excellent with the silver presentation plaque still correctly fitted to the lid showing light wear and age overall. The outside of the case is also near excellent with a nice original dark brown exterior finish showing minor scratches and handling marks with the hinges, locks and front latches, still intact with tight corners and all the green felt being intact inside, including the full makers label inside the lid. A very rare and certainly historic WWI British Colt Model 1911 pistol.