RARE COLT 1911 A1 FROM ARGENTINE 1941 NAVY CONTRACT with the Swartz Safety device

Description:
In 1941 the Argentine Naval Commission purchased 500 “off the shelf” Government Model pistols and hand engraved them with “REPUBLICA ARGENTINA/ARMADA NACIONAL – 1941” and stamped the top of slide with the Argentine crest. Of these 500 pistols that were made most were recalled for inspection and parkerized leaving the existing supply of Colt made and factory blue models even smaller. It is interesting to note that this pistol is equipped with the Swartz Safety device (this was an early firing pin safety which locked the firing pin unless the grip safety was squeezed). Colt’s production ledgers listed only 416 Government pistols with this safety device. These pistols are a rarity today particularly in original finish. 45 ACP with 5 inch barrel. Fine bore and a crisp action. This is a scarce Colt made commercial pistol that is seldom encountered in original condition. This is one of the hardest Colts to find – even rarer than the Singer!

Leroy Merz Antique Firearms specializes in antique and vintage Winchesters and other fine American firearms. Since 1965 Mr. Merz has taken part in the world of firearms and has been a contributor to many well known reference books. We have hundreds of additional guns in every price range at our home online. Search for Merz Antiques in google.
 

Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .45 ACP (.45 Auto)

Price: $6,000.00