When America entered WWI in 1917, Colt couldn't produce enough M1911 pistols to arm the rapidly expanding military. The solution: convert their proven double-action revolver to fire the same .45 ACP cartridge using half-moon clips. This Model 1917 revolver, serial number 271371, was manufactured in 1920 according to Colt factory records - produced during the post-war period when the military was still catching up on equipment needs. The matching serial numbers (frame/crane 271371, barrel part number 2567, and military inventory number 123768 stamped on the grip) confirm this pistol stayed together as issued. With its 5.5" barrel, this Colt 1917 represents the emergency that created one of America's most reliable service revolvers - a stopgap measure that proved so effective it remained in U.S. military service through WWII and Korea. Cataloger Note: This is a very nice example featuring great patina and original grips. We would rate this original condition to be 90%+.
Serial Number 271371
Military Memorabilia & Firearms Auction: Stories from the Battlefield to Your Collection
Every item in this collection carries a story - from the smoke of Civil War battlefields to the trenches of World War I, from Pearl Harbor's chaos to the jungles of Vietnam. This is more than an auction; it's a chance to own pieces of American military history.
Picture the Civil War officer who carried Lt. C. Lester Brown's sword into battle, or imagine the soldier who shouldered that 1865 Spencer Repeating Rifle - the same revolutionary rifle that gave Union troops seven shots to the Confederacy's one. These weren't museum pieces then; they were tools of survival, symbols of duty, and instruments of history.
The firearms collection spans generations of American conflicts. From black powder percussion cap rifles to a Springfield Armory 30M1 that may have stormed European beaches, from a German Luger P38 brought home as a war trophy to Winchester and Remington rifles that fed American families through the Depression. Each weapon tells a story of innovation, conflict, and the men who carried them.
The Civil War memorabilia stands out - not just swords and bayonets, but the kepi cap of an 83rd Ohio Infantry soldier. Somewhere in the chaos of Gettysburg or Antietam, a young man from Ohio wore that cap. He survived to join the Grand Army of the Republic, whose extensive badge collection here documents decades of veterans' encampments from the 1880s through the 1920s - old soldiers gathering to remember fallen comrades and preserve their legacy.
Then there's December 7, 1941. The Honolulu Star Bulletin screams "WAR! OAHU BOMBED BY JAPANESE PLANES" in bold type - printed hours after the attack that changed everything. Alongside it, Japanese flags including a Rising Sun Kamikaze flag, WWII medals including a Purple Heart, and photographs that captured moments of courage and horror that never made it into history books.
The knives and bayonets show evolution of close combat - from Civil War socket bayonets to WWI trench knives, from WWII M1 Garand bayonets to Vietnam-era machetes. The Marbles Gladstone WWII fighting knife wasn't just issued equipment; it was a soldier's last line of defense when everything else failed.
Whether you're a serious military collector, a Civil War enthusiast, a firearms historian, or someone who simply understands that these objects connect us to the men and women who served, this auction offers opportunities rarely seen in one place.
Online bidding only - 135 South Wilkinson Ave Sidney, Ohio
Auction begins closing: Monday January 5th @ 7:00 PM
Live preview: Monday January 5th 3:30-5:00 PM
Pickup: Wednesday January 7th 2:00-5:00 PM via Shipping Saint Scheduler
# Firearms Auction Terms and ConditionsIMPORTANT: Vondenhuevel Auctioneers LLC is a federally licensed firearms dealer, so you can buy and sell with confidence, knowing all applicable laws are followed. All firearm purchases must comply with federal, state, and local laws. Background checks are required for all firearm transfers. Proper FFL transfers will be arranged for out-of-state buyers.## Auction Information**Preview:** Live preview MONDAY January 5th, 3:30-5:00 P.M. Located at 135 South Wilkinson Ave Sidney, Ohio 45365**Auction Closing:** MONDAY, January 5th. at 7:00 PM**Location:** 135 South Wilkinson Ave. Sidney, Ohio 45365## Pickup Schedule### Non-Regulated Items (Ammunition, Accessories, etc.)- **Date:** Wednesday, January 7th.- **Time:** 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM- **By appointment via pickup scheduler sent in separate email**- **Be sure to choose your time slot**### Regulated Firearms (Requiring Background Check/Transfer)- **By appointment only**- A representative will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your appointment- **Shipping to your FFL is available** (see shipping details below)## Payment Terms- **Invoices under $1,500:** Your registered credit card will be automatically charged upon auction conclusion- **Invoices over $1,500:** Payment required via cash, certified check, cashier's check, or wire transfer- **Important:** All payments must clear before any items will be released- **Buyer's Premium:** 15% will be added to all purchases- **Ohio Sales Tax:** 7.25% applies to Ohio residents (unless tax-exempt certificate on file)## Shipping Information**Shipping Process:**- **Buyers will receive an email with the option to pick up their firearms or have them shipped**- **For shipping:** Provide your FFL address as the secondary shipping address- **All items except Black Powder and Primers are available for shipping****Shipping Options:**- **FFL Firearms:** Must ship to your local FFL dealer- **Ammunition, Black Powder Rifles, and related items:** Can ship to your home or business**Shipping Requirements for Firearms:**- Contact your chosen FFL dealer and have them send a copy of their FFL to **
[email protected]**- **Include your name** in the email to ensure proper identification- Firearms require insurance and adult signature upon delivery- **Shipping costs:** $40.00-$60.00 for average firearm (depending on insurance value)- Packaging fees based on time and materials used- **Buyer responsible for all shipping fees, insurance, and packaging costs**- Receiving FFL will perform the transfer and required background checks- **Buyer responsible for any fees charged by receiving FFL****Special Note:** If shipping to another MarkNet member, transfer fees may be waived.## Bidding Features- **Staggered Ending:** Lots close at 3 per minute starting at 7:00 PM- **Max Bid:** Recommended feature allows automatic bidding on your behalf- **Soft Close:** Any bid in final 5 minutes extends that lot by 5 additional minutes- **Notifications:** Email/text alerts when outbid## Firearms Purchase Requirements### Background Check Process- All firearm purchasers must complete ATF Form 4473 and pass NICS background check- **CCW holders:** Form 4473 required, but NICS check waived- **Valid state-issued driver's license required**- **The person paying must be the person who picks up, completes paperwork, and passes background check**### Important Firearm Policies- **Failed Background Check:** 20% restocking fee applies, buyer's premium forfeited- **NICS Delays:** Firearms may transfer after 5 business days if no further response- **Straw Purchases:** Strictly prohibited and illegal- **Condition:** All firearms considered used unless marked "New in Box (NIB)"- **No Test Firing:** Auction company does not test fire weapons### NICS Response Outcomes- **Proceed:** Immediate transfer authorized- **Deny:** Payment still required; appeals process information provided- **Delay:** Payment required; may transfer after 5 business days## General Terms- Invoice emailed within 24 hours of auction close- **Must present paid invoice before item removal**- Keep credit card information current in your profile- Items not picked up within 30 days subject to storage fees- **Eligibility:** Ensure you can legally own firearms before bidding- All sales final## Contact InformationFor questions regarding appointments, shipping, or payment: 937-492-1078**By bidding, you agree to all terms and conditions outlined above**
### Non-Regulated Items (Ammunition, Accessories, etc.)
- **Date:** Wednesday, January 7th.
- **Time:** 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- **By appointment via pickup scheduler sent in separate email**
- Be sure to choose your time slot
### Regulated Firearms (Requiring Background Check/Transfer)
- **By appointment only**
- A representative will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your appointment
- **Shipping to your FFL is available**
