*RARE COLT U.S. AIR FORCE AIRCREWMAN DA REVOLVER.

*RARE COLT U.S. AIR FORCE AIRCREWMAN DA REVOLVER. SN 4114-LW & AF NO.5. Cal. 38 Spcl. Rare all lightweight alloy (aluminum) Colt revolver with 2″ bbl, fixed sights and 6-shot cylinder with checkered walnut grips that have U.S. Air Force logo medallions. Back strap is properly marked “PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE” and butt strap has the Air Force SN “A.F. NO. 5”. Only about 1,200 of these rare revolvers were produced in 1951 with full alloy cylinders. They were designed to be lightweight side arms for Air Force aircraft crew members to be used with a special cartridge designed just for this revolver. However, the military, being what it is, failed to purchase the more expensive special cartridges and relied on the standard 38 Spcl. full metal jacket ball rounds already in inventory, which over pressured the alloy cylinders causing catastrophic failures, which in turn caused the Air Force to order them recalled. It is this cataloger’s experience that some were later issued with steel sleeved alloy cylinders which was better able to withstand the higher pressures. Eventually they were again all recalled and ordered destroyed. Few survive today in any configuration and almost none with orig alloy cylinders such as this one. Accompanied by an original black leather Air Force shoulder rig that has “USAF” marked flap and white nylon lanyard. A cautionary note: This revolver should not be fired with modern ammunition without first checking with your gunsmith. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains 90-92% orig black anodized finish, slightly thin on cylinder and lighter on frosted edges of grip frame. Grips are sound showing very light wear and some minor verdigris around medallions. Mechanics are fine but stiff with old oil, brilliant shiny bore. Holster is missing one male snap, otherwise appears unused. 4-39262 JR275 (4,000-6,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1136A	$5,290.00	RARE COLT U.S. AIR FORCE AIRCREWMAN DA REVOLVER. SN 4114-LW & AF NO.5. Cal. 38 Spcl. Rare all lightweight alloy (aluminum) Colt revolver with 2″ bbl, fixed sights and 6-shot cylinder with checkered walnut grips that have U.S. Air Force logo medallions. Back strap is properly marked “PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE” and butt strap has the Air Force SN “A.F. NO. 5”. Only about 1,200 of these rare revolvers were produced in 1951 with full alloy cylinders. They were designed to be lightweight side arms for Air Force aircraft crew members to be used with a special cartridge designed just for this revolver. However, the military, being what it is, failed to purchase the more expensive special cartridges and relied on the standard 38 Spcl. full metal jacket ball rounds already in inventory, which over pressured the alloy cylinders causing catastrophic failures, which in turn caused the Air Force to order them recalled. It is this cataloger’s experience that some were later issued with steel sleeved alloy cylinders which was better able to withstand the higher pressures. Eventually they were again all recalled and ordered destroyed. Few survive today in any configuration and almost none with orig alloy cylinders such as this one. Accompanied by an original black leather Air Force shoulder rig that has “USAF” marked flap and white nylon lanyard. A cautionary note: This revolver should not be fired with modern ammunition without first checking with your gunsmith. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains 90-92% orig black anodized finish, slightly thin on cylinder and lighter on frosted edges of grip frame. Grips are sound showing very light wear and some minor verdigris around medallions. Mechanics are fine but stiff with old oil, brilliant shiny bore. Holster is missing one male snap, otherwise appears unused. 4-39262 JR275 (4,000-6,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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