32 mission 1911

Augsburger · 03-06-2006, 10:50 PM

Some may find this interesting. This belongs to my Dad which was given to him by his friend Col. (ret) Ralph Searle. He was issued this pistol in 1943 when he was a lead bombardier flying B-24's and B-17's (32 missions). He said that at the beginning not all the B-17's had the Norden bomb sight and any navigator who flew a plane with the sight was to shoot out the sight if it was possible they were going down. Ralph never shot the gun (but I have). It is not a "rattler" and is very tight. Note the original shoulder holster with Ralph's serial nr. stamped on the back side as well as where he scratched his name into the leather. These are also the original magazine pouches and 4 mags that came with the gun. Ralph also flew 25 missions in Korea in B-29's. He recently passed and thought I would share part of his legacy with you.

Edward Tinker · 03-06-2006, 10:55 PM

oh, that is very nice!

I never told you, but I collect bring back stories. If interested and feel no obligation, I'd like to add it to my booklet I am writing? (I have about 40 storeis so far, WW2 - Persian gulf 1) TomA, I need yours, have the pictures, but my mind can't remember the exactities

Ed

Augsburger · 03-07-2006, 12:14 AM

Ed-
No problem. I'll e-mail you the complete story within the next couple of days with Ralph's unit nrs., types of missions flown, etc. Talk to you soon.

southriv · 03-20-2006, 08:57 PM

Very nice Colt. It's one of Colt's serioal numbers for 1943 maunfacture - delivered to the Springfield Arsenal in Feb. 1944.

Bob

Rod WMG · 03-21-2006, 12:06 AM

Great rig and story.

03-06-2006, 10:50 PM	#1
Augsburger User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tejas Posts: 160 Thanks: 17 Thanked 14 Times in 5 Posts	32 mission 1911 Some may find this interesting. This belongs to my Dad which was given to him by his friend Col. (ret) Ralph Searle. He was issued this pistol in 1943 when he was a lead bombardier flying B-24's and B-17's (32 missions). He said that at the beginning not all the B-17's had the Norden bomb sight and any navigator who flew a plane with the sight was to shoot out the sight if it was possible they were going down. Ralph never shot the gun (but I have). It is not a "rattler" and is very tight. Note the original shoulder holster with Ralph's serial nr. stamped on the back side as well as where he scratched his name into the leather. These are also the original magazine pouches and 4 mags that came with the gun. Ralph also flew 25 missions in Korea in B-29's. He recently passed and thought I would share part of his legacy with you. __________________ Wilder Eber

03-06-2006, 10:55 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,033 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	oh, that is very nice! I never told you, but I collect bring back stories. If interested and feel no obligation, I'd like to add it to my booklet I am writing? (I have about 40 storeis so far, WW2 - Persian gulf 1) TomA, I need yours, have the pictures, but my mind can't remember the exactities Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

03-07-2006, 12:14 AM	#3
Augsburger User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tejas Posts: 160 Thanks: 17 Thanked 14 Times in 5 Posts	Ed- No problem. I'll e-mail you the complete story within the next couple of days with Ralph's unit nrs., types of missions flown, etc. Talk to you soon. __________________ Wilder Eber

03-20-2006, 08:57 PM	#4
southriv User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Countryside New England Posts: 148 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Very nice Colt. It's one of Colt's serioal numbers for 1943 maunfacture - delivered to the Springfield Arsenal in Feb. 1944. Bob

03-21-2006, 12:06 AM	#5
Rod WMG User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Edge of Texas Posts: 514 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Great rig and story.