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RARE COLT CANADIAN GOV'T MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
RARE COLT CANADIAN GOV'T MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO

PISTOL. Cal. 45 ACP. S# C 5408. Bbl. 5" with "J" on left leg and portion of "P" just behind front edge of port at top center. In the Fall of 1914 Canadian Government ordered 5,000 Colt pistols for their officer's; 3 shipments: 1,000 October 31st, 1,000 Nov. 7th and 3,000 Nov. 14th. They were shipped to Waddington, NY. across the St. Lawrence River from Morrisburg, Ontario. Original orders placed by J.W. Allison, who was American born and promoted in rank to assist in procuring the Colts. Speculation is that they were moved into Canada without going through customs between the N.Y. town and Ontario. Shipped within 1st group of 1,000 on Sept. 11, 1914 per May, 2003 factory letter. Scarce example seldom seen in U.S. markets. "Y" at left rear of trigger guard and standard "VP" at left front. Right rear of trigger guard has "T". Top of frame by disconnector marked with "R" and "S". High polish finish that was generally done before S# C 4500. Short checkered trigger that references indicate introduced 1923. Serrated ramp front sight of .100" and corresponding square notched rear. Left side legend to include 1902 and 1913 patent dates plus rampant Colt behind cocking grooves. Flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop. Checkered walnut grips with 15 rows between double diamonds. Early style spring guide with extreme tips slightly flattened. Checkered slide stop and thumb safety without undercuts. Matte finished mag. release. Bottom of magwell has "BV LYNDEN WA" import mark. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt factory letter stating the following: "Serial Number: C5408/ Caliber: .45/c/ Barrel Length: 5"/ Finish: Blue/ Type of Stocks: Not Listed/ Sold To: Canadian Government/ Shipped to: J. Wesley Allison/ Address: Waddington, New York/ Date of Shipment: September 11, 1914/ Number of Same Type Gins in Shipment: 1,000". Photo copy of pages 31-33 of 1994 Canadian Military Handguns by Clive Law. MAGS: 1 very good unmarked two tone 7 rd. with lanyard loop on polished base. CONDITION: very good overall retaining approx. 95% factory original high polish blue and exhibiting only light wear & scratches, balance at front of slide. Minor takedown scratch on left side. Light function wear on barrel and sides of trigger. Thinning finish on mainspring housing and grip safety. Face of firing pin retainer is in the white. Very good grips with minor flattening to diamonds. Grip screw slots show signs of improper screwdriver use. Front of barrel lugs non factory filed to create gradual ramp; near excellent bore. Very few of these rare firearms have surfaced to date, especially in such high condition. (22-5475). CURIO. $2,500-4,000.