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THE VERY FIRST COLT 1911A1 SEMI AUTO PISTOL FROM

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
THE VERY FIRST COLT 1911A1 SEMI AUTO PISTOL FROM
THE 1937 CONTRACT. SN 710001. Cal. 45ACP. There were very few 1911A1 pistols made in 1937, serial range 710001 (this example being THE VERY FIRST PISTOL)-712349, delivered to the military in three separate shipments. This example was part of the first shipment, leaving Colt for Springfield Armory on Jan 19, 1937, as part of a group of 200 guns. Interestingly, although all the 1937 production pistols had 1911A1 features, their slides were erroneously marked with the earlier 1911 designation. All were finished with a brushed blue military finish, their slides serial numbered under the firing pin retainer, and the top of the barrel chamber left bright- “COLT 45 AUTO” appearing on the left side. This standard configuration pistol has all the check marks. The left side of the slide has the usual two-line address reflecting the 1902 and 1913 patent years, rampant colt, and Colt’s address in Hartford, CT. The left upper trigger guard web with a serifed “H” over the verified proof mark. The right side of the slide has “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. ARMY”; the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” over “No 710001”; and there is a small inspection “60” on the right upper trigger guard web. Fitted with coarsely checkered walnut grips and a two-tone magazine marked “COLT/45 AUTO” on the flat floorplate. Disassembly shows the left side of the barrel chamber with “COLT 45 AUTO” and a “P” on the left side of the lug. The rear of the slide has the full SN 710/001 under the firing pin retainer, and the inspector initials R/ C are to the right of the disconnector. CONDITION: Professional restoration, with flat planes and super-crisp markings, that now appears virtually new. Comparable condition dark, sharply checkered grips. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. A super-hard to find production date for the serious collector of 1911A1 pistols! PROVENANCE: The Collection of Edward Scott Meadows. (24-1607/LA). CURIO. $15,000-30,000.