Spring 2024 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
June 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th, 2024
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
MAJOR GENERAL ALDEN SIBLEY’S OFFICERS MODEL COLT 1903 HAMMERLESS POCKET AUTO PISTOL
23-7593
Cal. 32 ACP
S# 558823
Bbl. 3 3/4″. Major General Alden Sibley was a heavily decorated Officer who served in the United States armed forces from Vietnam to the Korean War and played a major role in US policy during this period. Sibley was the personal military aide at the White House, to President Frederick D. Roosevelt. He was heavily involved in the logistics planning of the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944. His son, Frederick Sibley indicated that his father carried this gun during the term of fulfilling his duties from the time he acquired it. The following statement was provided by the consigner to share the interesting background of this fascinating pistol. “To whom it may concern: Regarding Major General Alden Sibley’s Colt M. 1903 pistol, 32 auto, serial number 558823. The gun was manufactured by Colt in 1941 in Hartford, CT. Vin & Linda Pestilli have been next door neighbors with the Sibley family on Sam Brown Hill Road in Brownfield, Maine for over 40 years. Major General Sibley passed away on February 18, 1999 and the home subsequently sold. In 1999, Major General Sibley’s son, Frederick Sibley decided to move back to New Jersey and had no interest in retaining possession of his fathers pistol due to the overbearing New Jersey gun laws. Frederick gave the gun to me in 1999, where it’s been locked in a safe for over 25 years. Frederick told me that his father carried this pistol during WWII and during his time in the European Theater of Operations where he was heavily involved in the logistics planning of the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.
Alden Sibley was on General Eisenhower’s staff in France during D-Day. Between 1937 until 1938, Alden Sibley was the personal military aide at the White House, to President Frederick D. Roosevelt. During the Vietnam War, General Sibley was the Deputy Chief of the Military Advisory Group to the government of Vietnam. Frederick said his Dad carried this pistol during the performance of his military duties in WWII and Vietnam.” Right side of frame is marked “U. S. PROPERTY”. Blue finish. 2 piece checkered walnut grips w/ silver rampant colt medallions. MAGS: 1 detachable 8 rd. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: black leather belt holster w/ snap closure. Letter from consigner explaining the historic background of this pistol.
PROVENANCE: From the Working Reference Collection of Military Arms Instructor, Master Sergeant Vincent Pestilli.
STATUS: CURIO
