Send us your own comments about this object.

Title:	PISTOL, SEMI-AUTOMATIC -  U.S. PISTOL MODEL 1911 .45 SN# 135757
Maker/Manufacturer:	BROWNING, JOHN M.
Date of Manufacture:	1916
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 1636
Measurements:	OL: 21CM 8 3/8" BL: 12.7CM 5"

Object Description:

U.S. PISTOL MODEL 1911 .45 SN# 135757
Manufactured by Colt, Hartford, Ct. in 1916 - Modified Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol. Weapon fitted with Cabanne device. Device consists of metal stud mounted on pistol, and a corresponding metal plate affixed to a belt which together form a holder for the pistol. Blued finish. Two-piece checkered wood grips. Weapon shipped to RIA from Colt on 4 November 1916.

Markings:
Slide: PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. SEPT.9.1902/DEC.19.1905. FEB.14. 1911. AUG. 19. 1913. COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. Rampant Colt. (Right): MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY.
Frame: UNITED STATES PROPERTY. (Right): NO.135757. GHS in circle. GHS = Gilbert H. Stewart.

Weapon transferred to the Armory on 2 November 1932. At that time weapon was appraised at $13.19.

Notes: This is one of 1,000 pistols shipped by Colt to Rock Island Arsenal on November 4, 1916.
In October of 1917 a pistol fitted with an experimental device invented by Charles G. Cabanne of St. Louis, Missouri was sent to the School of Musketry, Fort Sill, Oklahoma for testing. This device consisted of a lug on the side of the pistol which fit into a corresponding slotted attachment on the pistol belt forming a 'holster' or holder for the pistol. This device was similar in concept to Flatau's pistol carrier as manufactured by the Bridgeport Gun and Implement Company which was field tested by the Army in the 1880s. It was rejected then and a similar fate befell this device." - Edward Scott Meadows

In October, 1917, Major Parker Dodge of the Ordnance Department rendered the following opinion on the device:
"...It is recommended that the device be rejected because:
a. The lug on the pistol is in the way when aiming.
b. The lug on the pistol renders difficult the manipulation of the slide stop.
c. There is no protection from mud or even light rain (particularly important when the pistol is carried cocked and locked).
d. The device holds the pistol in a position in which rain falling upon it tends naturally to drain into the sear and interrupter mechanism. A holster can be counted on to prevent wetting of all but the external surface even after the leather is soaked with water.
e. The device offers no substantial advantage as to speed or safety.
f. It would involve heavy expense to adopt it."

References:
Clawson, Charles W. COLT .45 SERVICE PISTOLS: MODELS OF 1911 AND 1911A1. Charles W. Clawson. Ft. Wayne, In. 1993.
Harrison, J.C. U.S. PISTOLS & REVOLVER 1909-1945. The Arms Chest. Oklahoma City, Ok. 1994.
Harrison, Jesse C. HARRISON'S NOTEBOOK. U.S. MILITARY ARMS. FROM DOUGHBOY TO DOGFACE, INDIVIDUAL WEAPONS. 1903-1955. The Arms Chest. Oklahoma City, Ok. 1999.
Meadows, Edward Scott. MILITARY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS 1894-1920. Richard Ellis Publications, Inc. Moline, Il. 1993.