Lot 219

Historic ID'd WWII U.S. Colt Model 1903 General Officer's Pistol

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Historic ID'd WWII U.S. Colt Model 1903 General Officer's Pistol

Estimate: $4,500 - $6,500

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

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

Historic World War II U.S. Property Marked Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless General Officer's Semi-Automatic Pistol Identified to Brigadier General John S. Hughes with Holster and Certificates of Ownership Manufactured in 1942, this is a fine example of an identified U.S. Colt Model 1903 General Officer's pistol. A 7 May 1965 dated letter from Major General Roland B. Anderson at the Rock Island Arsenal lists this pistol by serial number as being issued to Brigadier General John S. Hughes at the headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division Artillery at Fort Carson, Colorado. Also included is a certificate of ownership from the Department of the Army again listing the pistol by serial number and noting that it was issued to Brigadier General Hughes. The family of Brigadier General Hughes notes that he was issued this pistol upon promotion to assistant commandant at the field artillery school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and remained in his possession until his death in 1969 while on active duty as the commander of the U.S. Southern European Task Force stationed in Italy, at which time it passed to his family and remained in their possession until being offered now. The 1965 issue date of this pistol is also listed on p. 68 of "The Colt U.S. General Officers' Pistol" by Horace Greeley IV. The left side of the slide has the standard two-line address and patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt behind the serrations, while the right has the two-line caliber marking. The U.S. property marking is on the right of the frame and the serial number is on the left. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, as well as a pair of checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Includes an unmarked black leather general officer's pattern holster.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1903

BBL: 3 3/4 inch round

Gauge: 32 ACP

Finish: parkerized

Grips: walnut

Serial Number567260

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: Brigadier General John S. Hughes; The Hughes Family
  • Condition: Very fine as arsenal refurbished, retaining 95% of the parkerized finish with some very light wear and some scattered light scratches. The grips are also exceptionally fine with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically needs work. The holster is 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