This Historic

Colt 1911 Pistol Carried at Iwo Jima Is About to Go Up for Auction

May 23, 2020, 5:46 AM EDT

Rock Island Auction Company will soon be taking bids for the 1911 Colt .45 automatic pistol, and other kit, carried by a decorated Marine combat photographer during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

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items such as the sidearm, pistol belt rig and rare Iwo Jima battle map that belonged to Marine Sgt. Arthur J. Kiely Jr., who passed away in 2005, …

Kiely joined the Marine Corps in 1943 and served as a combat photographer, taking pictures under heavy enemy fire on island engagements such as Iwo, the release states.

Kiely's Colt 1911 was originally shipped to the Marine Corps in 1917 and features "85% of its original blue finish showing a mixed brown and gray patina on the grip straps and trigger guard, bright edge wear, and mild spotting and handling marks overall," according to the auction's website.

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Also significant, it appears that Kiely may have used his pistol in direct combat.

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Kiely's collection will not be cheap, though, Kolander said, who added that the bidding will range between $35,000 and $55,000 for the entire lot.

"A high-condition Colt 1911 especially 1917 shipped people would already be paying, you know, four figures for a pistol like that,

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https://www.yahoo.com/news/historic-colt-1911-pistol-carried-094658390.html

https://www.rockislandauction.com/auction/premier-gun-auction-79/