COLT MODEL 1911A1 SINGER PISTOL CARRIED BY WWII PARATROOPER FROM THE 82ND AIRBORNE W/HOLSTER & AFFIDAVIT BY NEPHEW. SN S800146. Cal. 45 ACP. One of the rarest manufactures of Colt M1911 pistols. The Singer Manufacturing Company produced just 500 of these pistols during WWII. The frame is marked “JKC” (John K. Clement) on the left side above a “P” proof mark. Right side is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY, M1911A1 US ARMY” above the serial number S800146. Left grip is a Singer grip with the scalloped back and the name “BEN” is carved into the bottom. Right grip made by Kyes Fiber. Left side of slide is marked “S.MFG.CO ELIZABETH NJ USA”. It also has the “P” proof mark on the top of the slide just to the right of the rear sight. The bbl is also a Singer with a single “P” mark on the left side of the bbl lug. The magazine is a two-tone Risdon marked with a “R” on the top of the toe. Included with this pistol is an Affidavit of Ownership by William Edward Bennett, nephew of Harley George (Ben) Bennett, a member of the 507th Parachute Infantry, attached to the 82nd airborne during several European campaigns during WWII. In the affidavit, Mr. Bennett states that his uncle received a battlefield promotion from Sergeant to 2nd Lt., later 1st Lt. and that during this time he carried as his sidearm, a Singer 45 cal auto pistol SN S800146. Mr. Bennett further states that his uncle returned home with this pistol and before his passing entrusted it as a family heirloom to my father for safekeeping. With the passing of my father and mother, the pistol is now my responsibility as executor of the estate. Included with the affidavit is an obituary of Harley Bennett detailing his service during WWII and with the 82nd Airborne. Also included are photos of Lt. Bennett in theater and correspondence from Sergeant Bennett to his family. in one of his letters home he talks about carrying a tommy gun with your knife attached and a pistol with over 350 rounds of 45 cal ammunition. Included in this lot is an M-3 style leather shoulder holster manufactured by H. Till saddler, Salisbury. Hand-carved into the back of the holster is the name Ben. CONDITION: Good. Pistol exhibits finish loss consistent with hard use and carry. Slide retains approx 10% of the orig Du-Lite Singer finish. Frame retains approx 60% orig Singer Du-Lite finish. Most of the wear along the bottom, sides and muzzle end of the frame. Bbl shows moderate use with strong lands & grooves. Mechanics fine. This is a wonderful opportunity for the advanced M1911 collector to add not only one of the rarest M1911's ever produced, but also one with documented use by a paratrooper of the 507th Co.- 82nd Airborne. Documents trace this pistol in action from the first night at Normandy to the capture of Berchtesgaden. 4-33326 CSW6 (25,000-35,000)
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