Lot 1254

Vietnam Era Navy Lieutenant Attributed Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

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Vietnam Era Navy Lieutenant Attributed Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

Estimate: $8,500 - $14,000

Starting Bid: $7,500

(0 Bids)

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

Historic U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol Attributed to U.S. Navy Lieutenant John P. Jackson Who Served as an Advisor to the South Vietnamese Military Originally manufactured in 1943, during the height of World War II, this particular pistol is attributed as having again served during the war in Vietnam with U.S. Navy Lieutenant John P. Jackson. The pistol itself is typical of 1943 production with the left of the slide having the patent markings and address arranged in two lines and two blocks on either side of the Rampant Colt, while the right of the slide is unmarked. This pistol was part of the lend-lease program during World War II as there are British proofs on the right rear of the frame and slide, as well as on the chamber hood of the barrel. The right of the frame has the typical U.S. Army markings as well as the serial number, while the left of the frame has the "G.H.D." inspection marking and "P" proof. The blued barrel is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the lower left, "P" on the left of the lug, and "P/G" on the bottom. It has standard features including checkered reinforced grips and a full-blue "L" marked magazine. Includes a black leather shoulder holster rig with dual magazine pouch and three extra magazines. Also included with the pistol is a 1961 dated invoice from Boyer's Sport-Marine & Gun Shop indicating that Lt. J.P. Jackson purchased this pistol, listing it by serial number, as well as an original photograph that is noted elsewhere as depicting Jackson. Also included in a copy of a certificate noting Jackson as being part of Advisory Team 53, MACV to the Republic of Vietnam from 16 August 1965 to 27 January 1967. Also included are two copies of newspaper articles about Jackson detailing his service in Vietnam, which was primarily as an advisor to South Vietnam's river assault units. The other article discusses Jackson being present on the armored river boats in an advisory and liaison role and being present during many ambushes by North Vietnamese/Viet Cong forces. These river assault units, both American and Vietnamese were vital for stemming the flow of weapons and fighters to the communist insurgents in the southern part of the country.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1911A1

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: parkerized

Grips: plastic

Serial Number927311

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: U.S. Navy Lieutenant John P. Jackson; The Charlie Justmann Collection
  • Condition: Fine, retains 70% of the original parkerized finish with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, some scattered small patches of light pitting, and a few scattered minor dings. The grips are also fine with a few scattered minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very historic Colt Model 1911A1 with an intriguing service history!

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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