100
Colt Government Model .45 ACP #C5478
Currency:USD
Category:Collectibles
Start Price:17,500.00 USD
Estimated At:35,000.00 - 70,000.00 USD
CURRENT BID
0.00USD
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2026 Oct 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-08:00 : PST/AKDT)
Rare factory engraved Colt Model 1911 45ACP cal semi-auto pistol with provenance and museum quality accoutrements and accessories belonging to WWI Aviator William A. Thomas who later served as a policeman and detective for the City of Sacramento, California. Featured on the cover of Rampant Colt Magazine, summer 2016 an article written by "Bob Butterfield" factory letter states 45 cal, blue, (ivory grips) factory engraved level 1, shipped to Shelton Payne Arms Co., El Paso, Texas Jan 29, 1914. One gun in shipment. Long ago the grips were changed to yellow stag from ivory. History - William A. Thomas was born in St. Louis Missouri in 1894 and was drafted in Sacramento CA on June 28, 1918 and reported the Mather Field Sacramento as an enlisted Aviator with rank of corporal. He was discharged March 28, 1919. He worked a short time as a carpenter and was hired as a patrolman for Sacramento, California. He was appointed to Captain of detectives July 30, 1937. He retired April 1, 1947. Accessories and accouterments accompanying this Colt obtained from Thomas' documents:
1) S.D. Meyers stamped clip back holster for 45 auto.
2) Aviators tunic in pristine condition
3) Leather flight helmet with Williams Thomas marking in very good condition.
4) Chief of Detectives retirement badge inscribed and dated on back.
5) Police I.D.
6) Oath of Office W.A. Thomas
7) Tin Box with "Property of W.A. Thomas scratched in paint.
8)Cup pouch - 2 mags both 2 tone vig to fine ??
9) W.A.T. embossed in case containing 2 rosewood handled brushes.
10) U.S. 1918 first aid pack - unopened
11) Gold embossed folio: W. A. Thomas Sacrament Police Dept on face - inside standard diary with work hours notations, 2 I.D.'s Sacramento P.D. - Chief of Detectives with photo Captain of Port - U.S.C.G.
12) Cops key ring with call box keys, skeleton, whistle.
13) "Dogbone" box 45 auto ammo - full
14) 38 stw cartridges by ?? full
15) 32 stw box of cartridges - full
16) Retirement papers suing Sacramento 1947
17) Tax returns - Approx 15
18)Original factory letter to Bob Butterfield, I.D. photo's, receipts for 5 guns included Colt signed by Shirley Thomas (descendent - daughter) and notarized 2009, numerous articles, photo's police certificates, induction notice from draft board, Honorable discharge, misc cards & Masonic papers, SD Myers catalog 1888-1934.
19) Smith & Wesson ABB, TW 38 safety, 4th model, blue finish cut to 2". Bead and post front sight added, #201138, excellent condition. 90-95% original finishes. W.A.T. scratched under grips.
20) H+R 32 STW - 2nd model 5th variation with auto eject, #9460, C. 1897-1904. Very good overall. 90-95% nickel. Very good condition
21)HTR 22 R.F. #70745 with 90-95 nickel, Very good plus condition, right grip chipped. Condition of Colt 1911 Factory Engraved Serial #C5478. The pistol remains in very good original condition with approximately 70-80% original blue finish thinning at high points and handling areas also loss of finish at muzzle from holster the engraving is sharp and crisp, by Cunio Helfrict Factory engraved in our opinion. The grips have been changed and rear sight during period of use and carry on duty. Good action - bright bore. Conclusion: Larry Wilson concluded only about 150 model 1911 and 1911 A-I's were factory engrave we estimate less that 50 1911's. This is one of the 1st few engrave and sent to Shelton Payne where Pancho Villa shopped for special colts. This is an incredible and historic grouping suitable for display in the finest collection, museum or institution. Described by John R ("Little John" Gangel)
Condition is NRA Very Good
Modern Firearm - C&R Eligible
***Our research further indicates this model 1911 Colt was among the first 4-5 factory engraved and the very first shipped to Texas!***
Auction Location:
1515 W GURLEY STE 100, PRESCOTT, Arizona, 86305, United States
Previewing Details:
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Tax Details:
All Arizona residents pay sales tax of 9.3% otherwise if you come to the auction you must pay the sales tax as well.
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| AZ |
8.356% |
Arizona Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
23% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Shipping is the responsibility of the Buyer and the Buyer must make all ‘Shipping or Delivery’ arrangements on
large items which may include calling a freight company. We ship exclusively with FEDERAL EXPRESS. Smalls will be packed and shipped by us at the buyer’s expense. Shipping charges other than exact costs INCLUDE: (1)$5.00 handling fee for each box required for packing,(2)Insurance is the responsibility of the buyer and is required for all packages (no exceptions),
Payment Details:
All winning bidders will be invoiced through Icollector, and credit cards will be automatically charged at the end of the auction . Credit cards will be charged twice. Once for your items and again for shipping the day your items ships.. All Internet Bidding on Icollector is 23%..All shipping will be will be done in house Except for large items ,at the buyer's expense. Standard FEDEX rates apply. All Post 1898 handguns must be shipped over night and rifles can be shipped ground unless otherwise specified. And all shipments of guns must be sent to a licensed firearms dealer in your state of residence. Shipping can take 3 to 8 weeks. Buyer must make all Shipping and or Delivery arrangements on large items. We charge you standard FEDEX rates,Plus a 5.00 per box fee, and one dollar per hundred for insurance is required. We will not accept checks or money orders. Credit cards will be charged twice. Once for your items and again for shipping the day your items ship. . All Internet Bidding through Proxibid and Icollector is 23%
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Terms & Conditions
Proxibid/iCollector.com
Internet Premium 23%
1. All items are offered for sale as is, where is and with no special guarantee is made or implied as to condition, authenticity or era of any described items. All items are offered for sale to the highest bidder and the bidders must establish to their own satisfaction the authenticity and condition before bidding. All sales are final, no refunds, no exceptions, NO CHARGE BACKS.Special clause for California buyers please check with your state laws. There are several guns in this auction that are legal or illegal in CA however sometimes the magazines or stocks are not. Also please check the CA DOJ website for the roster of handguns certified for sale and the Curio and Relics list. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE BUYER. The auctioneer or auction house assumes no liability for breakage or damage after the fall of the gavel. The acceptance of a bid by the auctioneer constitutes a legal and binding contract with the buyer and acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale under Arizona state law. If you sign up to bid you are accepting the terms and conditions.
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Reata Pass Auctions recognizes the NRA standard of conditions.NRA MODERN GUN CONDITION STANDARDS:
NEW: Not previously sold at retail, in same condition as current factory production.
PERFECT: In New condition in every respect. (Jim's note - in my experience, many collectors & dealers use "As New" to describe this condition).
EXCELLENT: New condition, used but little, no noticeable marring of wood or metal, bluing perfect, (except at muzzle or sharp edges).
VERY GOOD: In perfect working condition, no appreciable wear on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting, only minor surface dents or scratches.
GOOD: In safe working condition, minor wear on working surfaces, no broken parts, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning.
FAIR: In safe working condition but well worn, perhaps requiring replacement of minor parts or adjustments which should be indicated in advertisement, no rust, but may have corrosion pits which do not render article unsafe or inoperable.
NRA ANTIQUE FIREARM CONDITIONS STANDARDS:
FACTORY NEW: All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out.
EXCELLENT: All original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore.
FINE: All original parts; over 30% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood; good bore.
VERY GOOD: All original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or
bruised; bore disregarded for collectors firearms.
GOOD: Some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned or re-blued; principal letters, numerals and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.
FAIR: Some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or re-blued; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.
POOR: Major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collector's firearm.