 Model M .380 from 1929-30 period used by
United Air Lines.
Before W.W.II, there were shipments of Model Ms to various air lines. According to
one source, before W.W.II, there was a requirement for commercial air line pilots to be
armed. This gun is marked "Property of United Air Lines" on the
right side of the frame above the grip. These markings are not believed to be
factory. A second gun, also a .380 ACP and marked in the exact same
manner, were accompanied by "Hibbard" marked brown flap holsters. The
backs of the holsters have been modified and appear to have been configured
in a way that allowed them to be fastened to the plane either by snaps or by
another type of fastener. They have been converted back to a hip
holster configuration.
Photos of 102822 courtesy of John Dommers Another United Air Lines Colt Model M .380 marked
"PROPERTY OF U.A.L". Serial number 102822.
Like the example above, this marking was not applied at Colt, but after
the gun was purchased. Accompanying this pistol is the original Bill
of Sale dated August 6, 1947. The invoice contains the notation
"Turned in by R.F. Gustafson". This pistol is accompanied
by a commercial Heiser flap holster.
 The property markings on these guns were not applied by
roll mark ,as they would have been if applied at Colt, but are
individually stamped letters. |
