Lot 1246

U.S. Army Air Corps Base Shipped Colt 1908 Pistol with Box

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U.S. Army Air Corps Base Shipped Colt 1908 Pistol with Box

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $3,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Documented U.S. Army Air Corps Base Shipped Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket Semi-Automatic Pistol with Original Box and Factory Letter This pre-war Colt model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol is complete with its original matching maroon colored, Colt shipping box. The accompanying factory letter verifies this pistol as the sole gun of its type in a shipment on May 29, 1940, to the "Post Exchange" (the Rod and Gun Club) at Albrook Field in the Panama Canal Zone. Albrook Field was established in 1931 under the U.S. Army Air Corps and was an active base during World War II to protect the Panama Canal and for flying coastal patrols in Central and South America. It was officially closed and turned over to the Panamanian Government in 1997. This exceptional pistol is blue with a casehardened grip safety, trigger and slide release. The left side of the slide has the standard Colt factory two-line address/patent dates with the Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right has the two-line caliber notation. The left side of the frame is stamped with the serial number, and Colt "X/VP" proofs are on the trigger guard bow. It is fitted with checkered grips with Colt silver medallions on both sides. It includes the original maroon box and instruction manual with serial number written in pencil on the underside.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1908 Vest Pocket

BBL: 2 inch round

Gauge: 25 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number407840

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent with 99% of the blue finish overall. The various smaller parts retain 99% of their vivid case colors. The grips are also excellent with nice sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with a nice maroon color overall showing only minor edge and corner wear. A rare opportunity to own a U.S. Army Air Corps base shipped Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol. Writer cannot recall another example like this!

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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