3142 WILDEY MODEL 458 PRESENTATION GRADE SEMI-AUTO

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 10 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,250.00 USD
Estimated at 2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
PISTOL. Cal. 45 Win. Mag. S# 45-635. Bbl. 8" VR with integral ramped blade front sight plus slide mounted adjustable rear with matte black sight blade. Double action with 1911 type controls; safety off in up position. Collar at rear of barrel is for regulating gas functioning. Serrated controls along with trigger and grip straps. Mag. latch is European style at base of back strap. Mfg. in Cheshire, CT within the earliest examples as indicated by the 45 serial number prefix. Invented by Wildey J. Moore with "PATENTED NOV. 2, 1976" marked on right side of slide. Very large pistol in bushed and matte stainless steel that was the first gas operated semi-auto pistol having "COMMEMORATIVE" and "1ST GAS PISTOL" in banners on left side of slide below an engraved spread eagle. Pistol has additional decorative engraving being most pronounced on the barrel plus having a Liberty Bell on each side of the slide at the rear. Original company sold after about 800 units with 45 prefix. Next series had 09 prefix; 633 pistols made. Last examples before those today by USA Firearms Corp. have 4 digits only and New Milford, CT address rather than Cheshire, CT. In 1985 the movie "Death Wish 3" had star Charles Bronson portraying Paul Kersey using a 475 Wildey that was actually Bronson's own personal pistol. Besides being the first gas powered pistol of high power, it was also adjustable for mild load functioning as well. As time progressed, other chamberings were offered with the first 3 being 45 and 475 Wildey Mag. plus 45 Win. Mag. References state that the checkering on the grips of presentation models was hand checkered. An iconic pistol of top quality that is seldom offered for sale. MAGS: 3 factory 7 rd. stainless. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: original oak presentation case with black velvet lining having cut out fro the pistol, wood ammo block for 5 cartridges plus compartment for two spare mags. with fitted oak cover. Indent for enclosed quality cleaning rod (no tips) and a key for the two case locks. Case has some separation cracks due to aged shrinking of the sectioned oak panels of its construction; near excellent interior. Especially nice original cardboard box with foam lining and end label matching the configuration of the pistol. Very good RCBS 4 die set for reloading. CONDITION: all aspects near excellent including bore and grips. (25-1563/NW). MODERN. $2,500-4,000.