Mint Army made in 1912 from the Donald O. Sutherland Collection

[gbethu]

This mint piece was sold in the late 1970's when The Sutherland collection was auctioned off. Two long time collector's later, I now own it...I hope for a long time.

[joem]

So Very Nice! Wish I owned it!!!

[Duane Hansen]

A real Beauty Gordon. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Duane

[Tommy2guns]

Okay, now you are just showing off. Nice one....

[Mike Josephic]

Care to share the serial number? I'd like to compare it to few I have.

[Nubber]

That is a beauty. I have one shipped in Dec. 1912, but no where near that nice. That one is a prize.

[Fred]

Really nice! Thanks for sharing!!

[PhillipM]

Thanks for sharing your collection. I always enjoy nice originals.

[gbethu]

serial number 14911. last shipment 1912.

[Shooter5]

Wow, gorgeous. Where was the shipment? I wonder how it avoided being "rode hard" as GI's typically treat their equipment.

[Duane Hansen]

Wow, gorgeous. Where was the shipment? I wonder how it avoided being "rode hard" as GI's typically treat their equipment.

Probably found it's way into someones sock drawer very early in it's life, if you know what I mean.....

[Scott Gahimer]

14911 was shipped 23 November. There were 5 more 1912 shipments after that, all in Dec.

[gbethu]

Mint 1912 Army 1911

Wow, gorgeous. Where was the shipment? I wonder how it avoided being "rode hard" as GI's typically treat their equipment.

As I said, the pistol was in the last block of pistols, serial numbers 13501 to 17250 delivered in 1912. They spread out the number of boxes as they were produced and sent as it's probably difficult to ship the entire order of 3,750 in the same crate.
I don't know the day it was made either but Clawson"s info from his small collector's guide was all I had with me. As was mentioned, exact dates are available in his "big booK" so the earlier info provided would be more precise.
It's always a mystery how 1911s produced in the same time period survived until today with wide ranges in condition. I like the earlier "sock drawer" comment or possibly issued to a staff officer who rarely removed it from it box. I own an unfired, original Ithaca from WWII that remains in the original box, two wrapped extra magazines and original Holster and belt. All issued to a Navy Dentist on Guam...go figure . Not a likely spot for an invasion in last days of the war in 1945.

Whatever the reason, this gun dodged the bullet and has had careful owners all it's life. It still does. gb

[5MadFarmers]

It's always a mystery how 1911s produced in the same time period survived until today with wide ranges in condition.

Officers were permitted to purchase arms. In fact they were expected to. Those were personal property.

If you'd like to see it show up elsewhere, WW2 uniforms are a good compare. Enlisted uniforms were issued. When the GI turned it in it was re-issued. I have some trousers with no less than 5 different laundry stamps inside. Officer uniforms were private purchase. One user.

Officers typically had pistols. Thus private purchase is more common with them. They could also buy rifles and those pop up from time to time but are rare. I looked at a 3-digit Krag rifle once. Still in the officer's family.

[gbethu]

Officers were permitted to purchase arms. In fact they were expected to. Those were personal property.

If you'd like to see it show up elsewhere, WW2 uniforms are a good compare. Enlisted uniforms were issued. When the GI turned it in it was re-issued. I have some trousers with no less than 5 different laundry stamps inside. Officer uniforms were private purchase. One user.

Officers typically had pistols. Thus private purchase is more common with them. They could also buy rifles and those pop up from time to time but are rare. I looked at a 3-digit Krag rifle once. Still in the officer's family.

Thanks,
I was an enlisted man in the Navy for 9 1/2 years and then an officer for 10 1/2 years. Being an officer was definitely much better.....I was issued many uniforms when I enlisted and later given a monthly uniform allowance to keep it updated....when commissioned, you bought your own uniforms ....but you also got a raise !!!!!
Afer enlisting, I was trained as an airplane avionics mechanic . Over the years I worked up to becoming a Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer, CWO and Lieutentant with an Aviation Maintenance Duty Only designator. I only fired M-1s when in training. My only "combat" was when were under a rocket attack in 1969 while I was in DaNang in 1969....a 1911 would not have been much help although it may have just made me feel better.
A long time collector and member on this chat board , Aviation Chief Petty Officer John Holbrook can tell you how a M1911 saved his life when in Viet Nam. He's a real hero.
I thought that's why I chose the Navy vs USMC or Army, to avoid getting shot. Worked out for me. I can assure you had I been in one of those services I would have purchased my own 1911.