Summer 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
August 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026
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!
LETTERED JOHN S. BEGLEY STAMPED COLT 1911A1 SEMI AUTO PISTOL SHIPPED THE DAY OF HIROSHIMA NUCLEAR BOMB DROPPING
25-6705 | Cal. 45 ACP. | S# 2360021.
Per Colt letter, This pistol was 1 of 1,500 shipped Aug. 6, 1945 to the Springfield Ordnance Depot in Springfield Mass. This date is a historically significant day as the Enola Gay dropped the “Little Boy” Uranium bomb on the Japanese City of Hiroshima. This event was one in a series of events that led to the Japanese surrender on Aug. 15th, 1945.
Per Charles Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A” (1991), John S. Begley is a Civilian in the Springfield Ordnance District. He was the District Chief & Army Inspector of Ordnance from July 15, 1945- Dec. 5, 1945. This S# is 849 lower than the start of observed serial numbers starting at 2,360,870 that have the “JSB” inspector’s stamp. The pistol should have been inspected by Guy J. Drewry, Brigadier General at Springfield Ordnance District, as “GHD” stamps are observed from S# 848,170-2,360,470. This pistol has most correct era parts including Colt 5″ barrel, Colt slide, & Coltwood grips. Serrated slide lock & extractor are replacements. MAGS: 1 “C-R” Risdon mag. made for Colt with spots of cleaned pitting. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt letter. STATUS: CURIO.
