Colt 1911A1 That Belonged to WW2 Military Intelligence Officer | Pacific Theatre

Published on November 30, 2023
Duration: 16:22

This video details a Colt 1911A1 pistol that belonged to Marshall Cooley, a WW2 Military Intelligence officer who served in the Pacific Theater. The presenter, an expert in collectible firearms, meticulously examines the pistol's original configuration, including its parkerized finish, inspector marks (GHD), and correct barrel. The video also delves into Cooley's extensive military service records, highlighting his intelligence, his self-taught Japanese language skills used for interrogating prisoners, and his post-war role in occupied Japan. The narrative emphasizes the historical significance of the firearm as a 'vet bring-back' with documented provenance.

Quick Summary

This Colt 1911A1 is a valuable collectible because it's a documented 'vet bring-back' from WW2 Military Intelligence Officer Marshall Cooley. Its original parkerized finish, GHD inspector mark, and correct barrel markings confirm its un-reworked status, enhancing its historical significance and appeal to collectors.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Vet Bring-Back Story
  2. 01:11Marshall Cooley's 1911A1: Provenance and Family Sale
  3. 02:17Firearm Details: .45 Caliber, Original Configuration
  4. 03:03Marshall Cooley's Military Intelligence Service
  5. 04:03Enlistment and Service Progression: Private to Lieutenant
  6. 04:42Firearm Condition: Parkerized Finish and Wear
  7. 05:13Identifying Arsenal Rework vs. Original Issue
  8. 05:41Inspector Marks: GHD and Other WWII Inspectors
  9. 06:49Proof Marks: P Proof on Slide, Frame, and Barrel
  10. 07:30Cartouches and Other Manufacturers (Ithaca, Remington, Singer)
  11. 08:10Grips: Colt's Larger Ring vs. Other Makers
  12. 08:46Mainspring Housing: Checkered vs. Ribbed
  13. 09:15Magazine Details: World War II Blued Finish
  14. 10:03Feed Ramp Condition and Original Finish
  15. 10:39Barrel Inspection: Colt .45 Auto Markings and Proofs
  16. 11:48Paperwork: Marshall Cooley's Intelligence Career
  17. 13:00Learning Japanese: Interrogating Prisoners of War
  18. 14:04Intensive Language Training and Post-War Service
  19. 15:30Post-War Career: Managing Kawasaki Factory in Japan
  20. 17:00Fisher Corporation and Resignation
  21. 18:40Employee Petition and Cooley's Departure
  22. 19:30Conclusion: Honoring Veterans and Collectible Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Colt 1911A1 a valuable collectible?

This Colt 1911A1 is highly collectible due to its documented provenance as a 'vet bring-back' from a Military Intelligence officer, Marshall Cooley. Its original, un-reworked condition, confirmed by inspector marks like GHD and correct barrel markings, significantly adds to its historical and monetary value.

How can one identify an original, un-reworked Colt 1911A1 from a refinished or arsenal-reworked example?

Original 1911A1s typically retain their factory parkerized finish and will have specific inspector marks (e.g., GHD, WB, RS) on the frame. Arsenal reworkings are usually indicated by additional arsenal initials. The barrel should also bear original markings and proofs, and the feed ramp should be polished, not dark.

What was Marshall Cooley's role in Military Intelligence during WW2?

Marshall Cooley was a highly intelligent officer in Military Intelligence who independently learned Japanese. He was instrumental in interrogating Japanese prisoners of war, extracting valuable information that aided the war effort. His language skills were so exceptional that he was sent to intensive language training.

What are the key features to inspect on a collectible Colt 1911A1?

Key features include the original finish (parkerized), inspector marks (like GHD), proof marks (P proofs on slide, frame, barrel), original barrel markings ('Colt .45 Auto'), magazine type (WWII blued), grip details (Colt's larger ring), and the condition of the feed ramp (polished). Absence of arsenal rework marks is also crucial.

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