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COLT BRITISH CONTRACT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
COLT BRITISH CONTRACT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.
Cal. 455 Eley. S# W69561. Bbl. 5". Shipped Dec. 4, 1916 in group of 200 units to London Armoury Co. in England per February 23, 2015 Colt reference letter. Colt supplied England w/ 17,500 Model 1911 pistols from May 1912 to April 1919. Pistols were government models w/ C (45 ACP) or W (455 Eley) S# prefix. Multiple markings depending on whether purchased by individual offices, used by British forces, forwarded to Canada or to other Commonwealth countries. Left trigger guard above “NP” proof has crown “J3” plus above this area on flat of frame is Broad Arrow & crossed pennants. Right side of slide directly behind cocking grooves & on frame just forward of grip safety pivot are Crown “NP” proofs. Right of trigger guard at bottom rear stamped “W”, opposite side w/ “V” (also on frame by disconnector). Bbl. marked at port w/ Cal., crown “NP” & proof specs; “N” in front of legs. Double diamond checkered walnut grips. Checkered thumb safety & slide stop w/ milled undercuts. Flat smooth mainspring housing w/ lanyard loop. Short tang grip safety. MAGS: very good 2 tone 7 rd. w/ light, cleaned oxidation on body. Lanyard loop on floorplate along w/ cal. & broad arrow. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 2 near excellent packages (7 rds. each) of 455 Eley. Paper encased w/ red markings & marked in black “NOT FOR REVOLVER”. 3 Boxes in a row w/ 19 in right preprinted; 1st & 2nd boxes pen inked 30 & 1 respectively. Both packages sealed w/ plastic wrap likely for preservation rather than time of mfg. for security. Factory research letter. CONDITION: very good overall appearance. Illusion of flaking at grip area. Spotty loss on sections of frame & slide; mostly right. Numerous light scratches throughout along w/appearance of high point holster wear. Sm. spots of peppery oxidation mostly on front half of slide. Good grips w/ hand wear & slight marks on left. Near excellent bore. Frame & bbl. have post mfg. throating. Scarce, seldom encountered Model 1911 variation. (21-23/NW). CURIO. $2,500-4,000.