Lot 3281

WWI British R.A.F. Marked Colt Government Model Pistol

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WWI British R.A.F. Marked Colt Government Model Pistol

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,500

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

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

Desirable World War I Era British R.A.F. Marked Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol Manufactured in late 1918 to early 1919, this pistol falls within a large block of Colt Government Model pistols shipped to the British Ministry of Shipping in late-1918 to early-1919, just prior to or right after the conclusion of World War I. Many of these pistols, like this example, were initially issued to Royal Air Force personnel before many were reissued in 1942 to Royal Navy sea/air rescue units. The left side of the slide has the Rampant Colt between the patent dates and Colt address, each in two lines, while the right is marked with the .455 caliber marking, with the last "5" being double stamped with a "0". The right of the frame has the Government Model marking over the "W" prefix serial number. British military proofs are visible on multiple parts, as well as "R.A.F." and a "broad arrow" on the left of the frame. The proofed replacement .455 Eley barrel has a polished chamber hood. The pistol is fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and a two-tone magazine with "CAL.455/ELEY" and a lanyard ring on the base.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Government

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 455 Eley Auto

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberW104882

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Fine as arsenal refurbished, retaining 60% plus of the blue finish with the balance a grey patina, some minor handling marks, and some scattered patches of light surface oxidation. The grips are also fine with some light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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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