Lot 751

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

FROM THE ESTATE OF GEN. CLARENCE R. HUEBNER, COMMANDER OF THE 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION IN THE FIRST WAVE AT OMAHA BEACH A fine association example of a Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless semi-automatic pistol, .380-caliber, 3 3/4" barrel, 6 1/2" overall, a general officer's model manufactured by Colt. The right-hand side of the slide is marked "Colt Automatic Calibre .380 Hammerless", while the frame below is marked "U.S. Property". The right-hand side of the slide bears Colt's patent information rollmark, with their rampant colt logo at the very rear, and the serial number "136270" on the frame below, indicating manufacture in 1944. A small mark depicting the "crossed cannons" insignia of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps appears on the rear of the frame, just behind the slide hold-open. Small proof marks appear on both sides of the trigger guard. The grips are of finely-checked wood, and each bear a nickel disk depicting Colt's rampant horse logo. The pistol retains nearly all of its original high-polish blued finish, showing the faintest traces of holster wear at the muzzle, and unfortunately marred by large patches of black oxidation at the top and bottom of the slide at the muzzle, and at the rear of the slide on the left-hand side, partially obscuring the Colt logo. The magazine is unfortunately absent. The bore retains a mirror-like finish with no wear visible to the rifling and the crown remains well-defined. The pistol shows some very slight handling marks, and cocks and fires properly. NRA grade fine to excellent, with the aforementioned oxidation being the only major flaw. CLARENCE R. HUEBNER (1888-1972) American general who commanded the 1st Infantry Division, popularly known as the "Big Red One", in early August of 1943. He commanded the division during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, where it was the first force to face the Germans on Omaha Beach, and he joined his men on the beach the same day. The division was instrumental in the breakthrough following the battle for St. Lo and in foiling the German counteroffensive at Mortain. After the Allied breakout in Normandy, the division advanced rapidly, arriving at the German border in early October of 1944, where it was committed to battle at Aachen, which it captured after two weeks of heavy fighting. After experiencing heavy fighting once again in the Huertgen Forest, the division briefly rested but soon returned to counter the German offensive at the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944. In January, 1945, Huebner was named commander of the V Corps, which he commanded in its advance to the Elbe river, where elements of the corps made the first contact with the Soviet Red Army. By war's end, the division had advanced into Czechoslovakia. Following the German surrender, Huebner served as the Chief of Staff for all American forces in Europe, and in 1949 was named the final military governor of the American occupation zone in Germany. This pistol originates directly from General Huebner's estate and is accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by a direct linear descendant. Given the late-war date of manufacture, it is our belief that Huebner received this pistol when he was named commander of the U.S. Army's V Corps in January of 1945. All firearms purchases must be completed through a Federal Firearms License holder, and the purchaser is responsible for all associated fees. No shipping outside of the United States.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, 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.

November 20, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 + $10,000