Description:

COLT 1911 A1 INTERWAR ARSENAL REWORK WITH USS OKLAHOMA GRIP
U.S. military model M1911 pistol, magazine fed pistol chambered in .45ACP, with a 4.75 in. barrel, being 8.25 in. overall, manufactured by Colt's Hartford Armory in Hartford CT. Designed by John Browning, this is one of the most iconic pistols of all time, which consistently outperformed every other contemporary pistol of its time, and beyond. This is a four patent gun, the left-hand side of the slide is marked 'PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902' over; 'DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913' and to the right, Colt's famous Rampant Colt logo, followed by 'COLT'S PT.F.A. MFG. CO.' over 'HARTFORD,CT. U.S.A.' Just below, the left-hand side of the frame is marked 'UNITED STATES PROPERTY' forward of the slide stop is the stamped mark 'A A' indicating that the arsenal rework was done at Augusta Arsenal, and also showing an 'Eagle Head/over S12'. Springfield inspection stamp above the magazine release, although it is slightly obscured by a bit of rust/dirt, that could easily be remedied. The right-hand side of the slide is marked 'M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY', just below on the side of the blued frame, above the trigger assembly, is the serial number 'No 382663'. This indicates that this pistol frame was originally manufactured between May 1918 and October 1918, but now after its inter-war arsenal rebuild, this frame is fitted with the newer parkerized 1911 A1 slide. Additionally in the arsenal rework it was also refitted with a newer parkerized 'bumped out' style mainspring housing on the back strap of the frame that exhibits a lanyard loop. The pistol frame retains the majority of its original blued finish but shows slight holster wear to the leading edge of the frame and to the trigger guard. The right side of the gun exhibits the original checkered wood grip that shows the distinctive double-diamond pattern seen on most early M1911's, it is well worn with a few minor dents, but no chips or cracks. Most interestingly, the grip on the left side is a very special feature exclusive to this gun, the addition of a custom made 'thumb rest stabilizing grip' crafted by the armorer and owner of this gun. It was custom made on Tinian by the owner/armorer from a piece of teak decking salvaged by the Seabee owner from the battleship USS OKLAHOMA at Pearl Harbor, and brought with him to Tinian. A letter of provenance from the family outlining the entire story accompanies this firearm. The bore retains a mirror-like finish and shows only slight softening to the rifling, with the crown remaining well-defined. Pistol is fully functioning, and cocks and fires properly, although it does exhibit a few small areas of minor rust/dirt exclusively to the original lower frame, and other signs of overall honest wear. Comes with a World War II era 'R' marked magazine, original to this gun, indicating that it is made by Raymond Engineering, the rarest Colt magazine and marked on the top of the magazine toe. Consigned by the family of the American veteran who carried it. A very special 1911 A1 with a great history. Overall excellent condition throughout. On 7 December 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, several torpedoes from torpedo bombers hit the OKLAHOMA's hull and the ship capsized. A total of 429 crew died; survivors jumped off the ship 50 feet into burning oil on water or crawled across mooring lines that connected OKLAHOMA and MARYLAND. Some sailors inside escaped when rescuers drilled holes and opened hatches to rescue them. The ship was too damaged to return to duty and was eventually stripped of her remaining armament and superstructure before being sold for scrap in 1946.

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*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

December 5, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000