Lot 3265

H.G. Barner Marked Experimental Prototype Model 1911A1 Pistol

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H.G. Barner Marked Experimental Prototype Model 1911A1 Pistol

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

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

H.G. Barner Marked Experimental Prototype Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Unique Finger Groove Grip Strap Manufactured c. 1940s-1950s. This interesting prototype pistol appears to have been made up of mostly Colt manufactured parts, possibly even in the Colt factory. The only external markings on the pistol are "H.G. BARNER" over the experimental serial number "EXP. 304-0662" on the right of the frame and a "P" proof on top of the slide. It is unclear whether or not Barner was a Colt employee or if he manufactured this interesting frame himself and used mostly Colt parts to finish the pistol. The most prominent feature that this pistol appears to have been experimenting with is the front strap which has been machined with three deep finger grooves. Other than the front strap, the pistol shows mostly 1911A1 features including blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, long grip safety, short stamped trigger, and an arched serrated mainspring housing with a lanyard loop. The barrel is marked "F" on the bottom and "P" on the lug and the magazine is marked "COLT/45AUTO."

Manufacturer: H.G. Barner

Model: 1911A1

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: bright

Grips: checkered walnut

Serial NumberEXP.304-0662

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Fine, showing mostly in the white metal with a bright grey patina overall and some scattered patches of brown. The grips are very good with a vertical crack on the lower left, some scattered light handling marks, and mostly crisp checkering. The top right grip screw interferes with the magazine; otherwise, mechanically excellent. A very interesting experimental prototype Model 1911A1 .45 ACP 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