Lot 232

General Rattan's U.S. Colt Model 1903 General Officer's Pistol

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General Rattan's U.S. Colt Model 1903 General Officer's Pistol

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,500

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

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

Historic U.S. Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless General Officer's Semi-Automatic Pistol Identified to Major General Donald V. Rattan with Holster Rig, Documents, Photographs, Book, and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1944, this is an exceptionally fine example of the U.S. Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless General Officer's pistol that is identified as issued to General Donald V. Rattan (1924-2017), which is listed on p. 134 of "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols" by John Brunner. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration of this pistol, grips not listed, as well as shipment to Springfield Armory on 30 December 1944 as part of a shipment of 1,583 pistols of this type. This pistol is not specifically listed in "The Colt U.S. General Officers' Pistol" by Horace Greeley IV, but serial numbers 566914 and 566934 are both listed as having been issued in 1968. Rattan graduated West Point in 1945, initially commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and stationed in the Philippines and then as part of the occupation force of Japan. Rattan was then part of the 32nd Infantry Regiment and saw action in the Korean War. By 1964, Rattan was serving as a military advisor at the U.S. consulate in Bukavu, Congo, advising Congolese government forces during their defense of the city during the Simba Rebellion. During that conflict while on a reconnaissance mission, Rattan and three other members of the team were ambushed by Simba rebels with their vehicle being disabled. Rattan was the only member of the team who was armed and fought off approximately a dozen of the rebels, allowing himself and the team to escape, reconnecting with friendly forces four days later. One of the included photographs is an Associated Press wire photo picturing Rattan and Colonel William A. Dodds, with both being listed as reported missing. By 1967, Rattan was the commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam, seeing combat at the Battle of Dak To. He later led the brigade during the Battle of Quang Tri, which was part of the Tet Offensive. By August of 1970, Rattan was promoted to Major General and commanded 8th Infantry Division until 1972. The other included photograph pictures Major General Rattan, listing him as Commander, Army Readiness Region VII, and Deputy Commander, Fifth U.S. Army, and it is dated 30 January 1975. Rattan retired from the army in 1979, having been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, a Silver Star (for action during the ambush in the Congo), a Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with "V" Device and two Oak Leaf Clusters, and more. Also included is a 2011 document signed by Rattan listing this pistol by serial number and stating that he sold it to Robert Swartz. The pistol itself has the standard Colt markings as well as the U.S. property marking on the right of the frame. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, as well as a pair of replacement checkered walnut grips. Includes a black leather U.S. General Officer's belt and holster, Rattan's ribbon bars, and a copy of the book "The 1968 Tet Offensive Battles of Quang Tri City and Hue" by Erik Villard.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless

BBL: 3 3/4 inch round

Gauge: 32 ACP

Finish: parkerized

Grips: walnut

Serial Number566922

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: Major General Donald V. Rattan; The Robert Swartz Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus of the arsenal refurbished parkerized finish with some light holster type wear and a few light handling marks. The grips are very fine with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster rig is very fine with some mild wear.

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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