Lot 3311

WWII Marine Raider Attributed U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

Previous image preload Next image preload

WWII Marine Raider Attributed U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

Estimate: $9,000 - $14,000

Starting Bid: $8,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Historic World War II U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol to Corporal Louis L. Rogers of the U.S. Marines 2nd Raider Battalion with Holster Rig Manufactured in 1943, this U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 is identified as being the sidearm of Corporal Louis L. Rogers of the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Raider Battalion, known as "Carlson's Raiders". The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between, while the right side is unmarked. The right side of the frame has the typical U.S. property and army markings as well as the serial number, while the left side has the "G.H.D." inspection marking and "P" proof. The blued barrel is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left and "P" on the left of the lug. It has standard features and is fitted with a pair of checkered reinforced grips and a blued unmarked magazine. Includes a "BOYT/44" marked U.S. leather holster, canvas web belt, and a canvas web magazine pouch with two extra magazines (one "S" marked). An included handwritten note from Rogers' son, Jack L. Rogers, lists the Colt Model 1911A1 pistol number "904204" (a notation error off by one number) as having been used by his father during World War II in the South Pacific, with an additional note written in different handwriting noting that Rogers was with "Carlson's Raiders" on Guadalcanal and that his son believed he also served on Guam, Okinawa, and Bougainville. Another included note signed by Louis L. Rogers notes this pistol by the correct serial number and states "I got this pistol on Guadalcanal So. Pacific WW2- Sept. 1942". Given that the Guadalcanal campaign lasted into February of 1943, it is possible that Rogers acquired it during the campaign shortly after it was manufactured. No further information on Rogers' connection to the Marine Corps or the Raiders was available at this time. The U.S. Marine Corps Raider battalions were formed in 1942 to be a fast, hard-hitting elite force capable of raiding Japanese held islands and operating behind enemy lines. The 2nd Raider Battalion was led by Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson, seeing combat during the Guadalcanal Campaign, the raid on Makin Island, the New Georgia Campaign, and Bougainville Campaign.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1911A1

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: parkerized

Grips: plastic

Serial Number904205

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: Corporal Louis L. Rogers; Jack Rogers; The Charlie Justmann Collection
  • Condition: Good, retains 30% of the original parkerized finish with the balance a smooth grey patina, scattered patches of light pitting, and an area of old touch up on top of the slide. The grips are very good with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster rig is very good with mild wear and some verdigris. An intriguing World War II U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 that may yet have more stories to tell!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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