1172 UNIQUELY JOHN S. BEGLEY STAMPED COLT 1911A1 FRAME

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Oct 30 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 4,000.00 USD
Estimated at 8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
AS ARSENAL REBUILT PISTOL WITH COLT LETTER. Cal. 45 ACP. S# 2357287. As per Colt letter, the frame was 1 of 2,100 pistols as apart of Colt Factory Order #5011 shipped to the Springfield Ordnance Depot on August 10th, 1945. This date is significant as the day after the United States dropped the 2nd atomic bomb over Nagasaki & the Soviet Union invaded Manchuria; these events eventually lead to the Empire of Japan surrendering. The serial number range of the pistols in this order was 2,340,000-2,368,622. Per Charles Clawson's "Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A" (1991), John S. Begley is a Civilian in the Springfield Ordnance District. He was the District Chief & Army Inspector of Ordnance from July 15, 1945- Dec. 5, 1945. This S# is 3,583 lower than the start of observed serial numbers starting at 2,360,870 that have the "JSB" inspector's stamp. The pistol should have been inspected by Guy J. Drewry, Brigadier General at Springfield Ordnance District, as "GHD" stamps are observed from S# 848,170-2,360,470. The stampings on pistol appear to be unusual as John S. Begley's stamping of "JSB" is present but in a different configuration & multiple stampings. Other research examples have the "JSB" reading left to right with the frame cut underneath the stamp. This example has the "JSB" stamping reading left to right with the left grip panel underneath the stamp. The stampings appear as followed: a first "JSB" stamp was lightly struck. Another "JSB" stamp appears to have been double struck over original. Then another partial "JSB" stamp was applied where the "B" portion is strongly visible, the "S" portion is partially visible with no "J" portion visible. The circumstances of the day this frame was stamped is unknown, but the stampings appear to be within the .42" width observed on other examples. This pistol has a replacement 1942 Colt slide with S# 791492 applied underneath firing pin retainer. Colt 5" barrel with "D" stamp in front of lugs, "P" on left lug & upside down boxed "C" on right lug. Type E hammer with checkering on spur. Serrated safety tab & slide lock; arsenal replacement as original pistol would have checkered safety tab & slide lock. Coltwood grips numbered "1" & "11" barrel bushing & recoil spring guide blued with recoil spring plug having parkerized refinish. MAGS: 1 "C-R" Risdon mag. made for Colt having parkerized refinish. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt letter & CMP Case containing TM 9-1005-211-34 booklet. CONDITION: slide & frame have bead blasted arsenal refinish with prior pitting throughout, edge wear (most notable in muzzle area), spots of wear & assembly scratches. Very good grips. Barrel has good original finish with cycling friction wear. Good strong rifling with frosting. (25-5186/md). CURIO. $8,000-12,000.