"COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. SN 43384. Cal. 45 ACP. Fantastic early Navy with 5" orig bbl with tiny perpendicular "HP" proofs on skirt and a small "J" inspector initial on the left side of lug. Slide has usual markings with "1911" the last patent date with rampant Colt at left rear end and "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY" on right side. Frame has "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on left forward edge with a Walter G. Penfield inspector mark just above magazine release. It has diamond checkered walnut grips and an orig 2-tone lanyard loop magazine. Accompanied by what is probably its orig issue Rock Island Arsenal 1912 "US" marked swivel holster with leg strap. Also accompanied by an orig green canvas Mills web belt and a wonderful Mills green canvas magazine pouch marked on inside of flap with date "1913" that contains two orig 2-tone lanyard loop magazines. Additionally accompanied by a small brown leather dispatch case embossed in gold on front below latch "BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS / N.Y.N.M.", which stands for NY NAVAL MILITIA. This appears to be an orig set, complete, probably from the individual to whom it was first issued. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Slide retains 96-97% outstanding orig blue with slight muzzle & rear edge wear and a couple of minor nicks & scratches. Frame retains about 97% outstanding orig blue with slight thinning to front strap and minor sharp edge wear. Grip safety has flaked (not worn) to a blue/gray patina with traces of orig blue and spring housing is a blue/gray patina. Grips are crisp with a few scattered chipped diamonds and show very minor wear. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore, frosty in grooves. Holster is dry with a flexed flap and overall retains about 75% orig arsenal finish. Web belt & mag pouch are extraordinary, crisp & new looking. Two spare magazines are sharp & bright with light discoloration on white areas. Magazine in pistol is equally new but covered with a coating of old dried oil. Dispatch case is very dry & flexed with losses over top & flap and front side with a tear along seam in top. It is extraordinarily unusual to find such an orig appearing set with a pistol in such wonderful condition, especially for one of this great age. 4-31226(20,000-35,000)"
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