FRI AUG 15, VERY CHOICE OSS ISSUE “US PROPERTY” MARKED 1903 COLT PISTOL, SHIPPED TO THE O.S.S. JUNE 17, 1944, MINT CRISP!

$9,750.00

Description

In 97% mint crisp condition, we have an extremely rare and Obsessively sought after U S Property Marked Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol, this pistol was shipped on June 17, 1944 to the Supply Division, Office of Strategic Services, at the Fowler Building in Rosslyn, VA.

According to the included Colt factory letter, this particular pistol was shipped to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor of the modern Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The OSS was formed to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Other OSS functions included the use of propaganda, subversion, and post-war planning. Immediately following the war, it was purchased by Captain James R. White, Ordnance Department and his original “Property Issue Slip” is included in duplicate.

This is a textbook all matching example with the prick punch acceptance mark.   It is extremely rare, one of only 2,928 pistols that were shipped to the OSS and one of only a handful in top condition

The Property Issue Slip lists the pistol by serial number and shows it was sold to Captain James White on May 27, 1946. The slip originated at “A.M.E.T. APO 787” which we believe indicates “Africa, Middle East, Turkey/Cairo Egypt”. The OSS had a significant presence in Cairo during the war and a major training center was located there. The Property Issue Slip was updated in 1972 by White when he transferred the pistol to another individual. Also included are a photograph of White early in his military career and another more mature White on his wedding day. A really great little piece of WWII history!!  You cannot underestimate the desirability of this pistol to the collecting community.