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Mike P. Collection in
Vancouver B.C.
Colt Government Model 1911 serial number C7419 - This
pistol was acquired from the grandson of the original owner,
Major William Taylor of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces
WW1 1914-1918. Major Taylor was with the 1st wave of the CEF
13th Battalion and saw front line action in well known
battles such as the battle of the Somme in France. He was
gassed during one of the battles in spring 1915 and spent
some time convalescing. He also contracted pneumonia at some
time during this period. Major Taylor was also the paymaster
for the troops.
The pistol was either issued to Taylor, or bought by him
from Lewis Brothers Hardware Co. in Montreal Quebec, Canada.
It was part of a lot of 25 shipped from Colt on August 16,
1914, just 12 days after Britain declared war on Germany on
August 4, 1914. Major Taylor was mentioned in two dispatches
for gallantry and distinguished service and received the
Order of the British Empire medal in June, 1919. He survived
the war and died in London, Ontario in 1941.
Right side of C7419
Major Taylor was mentioned in two dispatches
for gallantry and distinguished service and received the
Order of the British Empire medal in June, 1919.
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