Pre-War WWII Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol Issued to DFC Recipient for Sinking German U-Boat 404. Serial no. 738926 [on the right side of the frame and underneath the firing pin stop plate] (1941 manufacture, shipped to Springfield Armory August 28, 1941), 5-inch barrel. Parkerized finish with blued barrel. Checkered plastic stocks. Left side of receiver marked with patent dates, rampant Colt pony and Hartford address. Left side of frame inspector marked RS (Robert Sears) in a box with circle P proof near the magazine release button. Right side of the frame marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY M1911A1 U.S. ARMY / No 738926". Two-toned magazine. Lt. Arthur Hammer, a B-24 pilot in an Army Air Force anti-submarine squadron, was awarded a DFC assisting in the sinking of German U-boat U-404 in the Bay of Biscay on July 28, 1943. The consigner reports that he purchased the pistol directly from Mr. Hammer many decades ago. The pistol is sold with the original 8th Air Force document awarding Hammer and his crew with the DFC. It reads (in part): "For extraordinary achievement, while serving as crew members of a B-24 airplane on anti-submarine patrol, 28 July, 1943. The crew, exhibiting a high degree of vigilance, observed a surfaced U-boat and with firm determination immediately pressed home the attack, despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire during the engagement. Although the plane sustained serious damage, its crew by skillful maneuvering and well-aimed depth bombs and gunfire succeeded in destroying the submarine." Condition: Excellent. Light carry-wear to the high spots. Excellent bore. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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