Lot 217

Historic Benchmark Colt Transitional Model 1911/1911A1 Pistol

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Historic Benchmark Colt Transitional Model 1911/1911A1 Pistol

Estimate: $15,000 - $22,500

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding Benchmark U.S. Colt Transitional Model 1911/1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol Documented to World War II Veteran Dr. Byford F. Heskett with Holster, Magazine Pouches, Original Manuals, Research, and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1923, this is a truly astounding, benchmark example of the highly desirable "Transitional" variation of the legendary U.S. Colt Model 1911 pistol. These Transitional Models are found in the 700001 to 710000 serial number range and display the markings of the Model 1911 while having the "new style" features of the Model 1911A1. Developed in 1923 on orders from the Ordnance Department, the "Improved" Model 1911 pistols were equipped with a shorter trigger, dished out frame sides, extended grip safety, arched mainspring housing, and widened front sight, essentially making them the first government contract pistols to conform to the Model 1911A1 standard. This particular example comes with a factory letter, identifying it as part of a 1,000 pistol delivery made to the Springfield Armory on 7 February 1924, with the letter explicitly calling out the "new style" trigger, safety and mainspring housing. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address, with the Rampant Colt between them, while the right has the typical "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" nomenclature. The right of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" over the serial number, while the left has the "WTG" inspector marking of Captain Walter T. Gordon. The blued barrel has the conjoined "HP" marking on the chamber hood. It is fitted with blade and flat topped notch sights, the previously mentioned "Improved" features, a pair of checkered walnut grips, and a "B" marked two-tone magazine. Includes a U.S. "P.C.Co/J.D." marked leather holster, two leather dual magazine pouches marked "Q.M.C./JEFF.1922/H.E.K.", and a leather holster hanger also marked "Q.M.C./JEFF.1922/H.E.K" as well as "ALG". Also included with the lot is an original War Department field manual for the Model 1911 and 1911A1 pistol that is stamped "BYFORD F. HESKETT/MAJOR, M.C.", a War Department training booklet with this pistols serial number hand-written on it, and an additional manual. Byford Franklin Heskett (1900-1992) is noted as having served in the National Guard field artillery during the World War I era for 7 years, which included training at Fort Sill. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1929 with a Bachelors in Medicine, his Doctorate in 1930, and joined the staff of the Northwestern University Medical Center in 1933. When the United States joined World War II, Heskett served in the 12th General Hospital unit, primarily made up of Northwestern University staff. The unit and Heskett served in North Africa and Italy providing much needed medical services to troops fighting on those fronts. Also included with the pistol is a binder of research pertaining to Heskett including copies of documents related to his work as a doctor, copies of photos of his time in the military, and copies of some of his military records.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1911

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number701224

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: Dr. Byford F. Heskett; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 99% plus of the original brush blue finish with a few scattered very light handling marks including a light takedown mark and some light slide retraction wear on the chamber hood of the barrel. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is good with moderate wear and drying, while the other leather items are very fine with minimal wear. Truly a benchmark example of the U.S. Colt Transitional Model 1911/1911A1 pistol!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000