Colt M1903 Pistols Issued To US Generals & Mafia Gangster Charles Baron!

Published on January 16, 2022
Duration: 22:38

This video provides a detailed look at two Colt M1903 pistols, one issued to Major General Frederick Munson, an intelligence officer with a clandestine career, and the other to Brigadier General Charles Barron, a figure with notorious mob ties. The presenter, a firearms instructor, discusses the historical context, technical specifications, and unique markings of these pistols, highlighting their parkerized finish, US property markings, and the impact of inscriptions on value. The video also touches upon the broader issuance of officer pistols to US generals during WWII and their subsequent availability.

Quick Summary

The Colt M1903 pistol, chambered in .32 ACP, was often issued to US officers and generals. US Army issued models are distinguished by 'U.S. Property' markings and a cross-cannon cartouche. Many were re-parkerized at Rock Island Arsenal, and inscriptions like those made by Brigadier General Charles Barron can significantly reduce collector value.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction & Housekeeping
  2. 00:13Vote for Gun G's Award
  3. 00:41Show of Shows Louisville
  4. 01:22Review of General Sherburne's Pistol
  5. 02:04General Sherburne's Military Career
  6. 02:38Types of Generals & Pistol Issuance
  7. 03:30Colt Model 1903 & 1908 Comparison
  8. 03:56Parkerized Finish & Rock Island Arsenal
  9. 04:11WWII Production & Later Issuance
  10. 04:45Generals Purchasing Pistols
  11. 05:13Pistol for Major General Frederick Munson
  12. 05:23Pistol for Brigadier General Charles Barron
  13. 05:43General Munson's Colt M1903 Details
  14. 06:30Commercial vs. US Army Issued M1903
  15. 06:59Mismatched Serial Numbers
  16. 07:37Researching General Munson
  17. 08:32General Munson's Intelligence Career
  18. 11:59General Munson's Service Summary
  19. 12:29Brigadier General Charles Barron Introduction
  20. 12:49Barron's Notorious Activities
  21. 13:29Barron's Early Career & Chicago Politics
  22. 14:09Barron's Army Service
  23. 14:50Barron's Post-War Life & National Guard
  24. 15:07Barron's Mafia Associates
  25. 15:24Barron as a Gun Collector
  26. 15:54Barron's Colt M1903 Details
  27. 16:55Barron's Inscription on the Pistol
  28. 17:34Impact of Inscriptions on Value
  29. 18:02Al Capone as a Gun Collector
  30. 19:12Other Known Associates of Barron
  31. 19:38Barron's Military Friends
  32. 20:27Letter from General William Henry Harrison
  33. 20:38William Henry Harrison Jr. Background
  34. 21:06William Harrison's Logistical Role
  35. 21:15Harrison Gifts Pistol to Barron
  36. 21:18Association Between Harrison & Barron
  37. 22:19Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Colt M1903 pistol?

The Colt M1903 pistol featured in the video is chambered in .32 ACP caliber. Its counterpart, the Colt M1908, is chambered in .380 ACP.

What distinguishes a US Army issued Colt M1903 from a commercial model?

US Army issued Colt M1903 pistols are marked 'U.S. Property' and typically feature a cross-cannon cartouche, differentiating them from commercial variants which usually have a blue finish and different grip options.

Why were many Colt M1903 pistols made for WWII not issued until later?

Many Colt M1903 pistols manufactured for WWII were stored and later issued during conflicts like the Korean and Vietnam Wars, or were given as retirement gifts to officers, who often had to purchase them.

How does engraving affect the value of a firearm?

Engraving names, initials, or GI numbers on a firearm, such as Brigadier General Charles Barron did on his Colt M1903, significantly decreases its collector value. However, for historically significant or infamous individuals, such inscriptions can sometimes add provenance.

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