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COLT BRITISH RAF CONTRACT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
COLT BRITISH RAF CONTRACT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL

SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. Cal. 455 Eley. S# W 017383. Bbl. 5" with "Z 2" on right leg and "V" in front of legs. Mfg. from Jan. 1918 to April 1919; approx. 10,000 units for Britain's Royal Air Force. This pistol shipped after April 1, 1918 as indicated by Crown G2 A proof of British inspector Stedman. Commercial Colt markings having S# preceded with "W" to indicate British caliber. Broad arrow plus single tailed pennants stamped on left side of pistol in front of slide lock (missing "R.A.F." marking) and behind cocking grooves. These pistols remained in service being used for Air and Sea Rescue Units from 1935 to 1945. These pistols had standard Colt features of the period. Slide has 1913 patent date, rampant Colt within legend, flat top U notched rear sight; underside of slide marked "E", "3 (backwards) 11", and "K". "VP" proof on trigger guard. Thick tab safety and undercut slide lock; both checkered. Long beavertail border checkered hammer, long smooth faced trigger, short tang grip safety and flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop. Checkered walnut grips with proper 15 rows between double diamonds; close clearance to mainspring pin. MAGS: 1 good caliber specific marked two tone 7 rd that is appropriately wider than 45 ACP mags by about .020". CONDITION: good to very good appearance of older arsenal type refinish over light pitting. Light high point wear at front of slide. Areas of light pitting on right front of slide (mostly) and frame. Spots of peppery oxidation on mainspring housing and grip safety. Fair left grip with wear on diamond tops plus improper screwdriver use at lower grip screw; right slightly better appearing. Grips screws with minimal finish. Fair, worn and pitted bore. (22-4282/NW). CURIO. $1,500-2,000.