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Issued to Captain Earl Wilberg
Ralph Wilberg Collection
Colt Model 1911 of U.S. Navy Serial Number 897 - This
pistol was part of the first Navy contract of 500 guns shipped to the U.S.
Navy, General Storekeeper, U.S. Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N.Y. on March 9, 1912.
 Pistol has early Colt in circle on the slide. The mark of Army Inspector of Ordnance Major Walter
G. Penfield. Penfield inspected these pistols from January 2,
1911 - September 30, 1914. Serial numbers of Model 1911 pistols
inspected 1 - 101500. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" mark on the frame and early
patent dates terminating with date of Feb. 14, 1911.
 Close-up of serial number "No. 897" on forward right
side of the frame. Pistol has the early style magazine catch lock. In this serial number, range Frank Hosmer's
provisional inspection mark "H" should be horizontal and should be stamped
on the rear of the slide. |
