Premier Firearms Auction
May 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2022
Our first premier auction of 2022! This event hosts collections from across the country and brings them under one roof for an amazing multi-day auction!
This is an incredible opportunity to add rare and desirable firearms & militaria to your collection.
RARE DOCUMENTED AND INSCRIBED ITHACA EXP. #5 MODEL 1911A1 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.
22-358
Cal. 45 ACP
S# EXP. #5
Bbl. 5″ correct early Colt Type 6 having “COLT 45 AUTO” on left side above leg, “P” on left leg, unmarked right leg & “F” in front of legs. Mfg. May 1942, 7 months before Ithaca made their first 60 standard 1911A1’s & over a year before full production. Created for David J. Nolin upon his commissioning as 2nd Lieutenant in U.S. Army having “Lieut. David J. Nolin” on right side of slide below port. Pistol created by Nolin’s father who was friendly w/ management at Ithaca.
Nolin carried the pistol in European Theater including Invasion of Normandy in 1944 & for 5 champagnes including Battle of the Bulge. Nolin served 1942-1947, awarded the Bronze Star & retired as a Colonel. Nolin is listed on the Oswego, NY honor roll as a Major.
Top of frame by disconnector marked w/ “H” & “G” which per Clawson’s ref. book on page 306 is proper for early Ithaca’s. Top of slide plus frame by mag. release have matching “P” proofs somewhat larger than others & almost script style. No inspector proof on frame. Du-Lite bluing over sandblast finish having Keyes Fibre sm. ring Type 10 reinforced grips. Other correct features include: early Ithaca checkered arched mainspring housing w/ lanyard loop & 27 diamonds on center row, long grip safety, short checkered trigger, Type E variation 4 hammer, checkered slide stop w/out undercut, thick tab safety w/out milling undercut (checkered top & bottom). Special S# on right side of frame w/out Army marking or crossed cannons proof as it was especially built, not military production. Right front of trigger guard has intertwined 3,4.
STATUS: CURIO
