Lot 424: * Attributed Colt Model 1908 .380 Pocket Automatic Pistol,

ca 1943, .380 caliber, 4 barrel, serial number 136692. U.S. Property marked. In original issue box penciled with the serial number over Brig Gen Scanlon. Blue finish, wood grips. Brigadier Martin F. Scanlon (1889-1980) was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the 7th Infantry in April 1912. Destined to become an early convert to aviation, Scanlon served on the Texas frontier with the 19th Infantry before becoming attached to the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps. He received flight training in San Diego and earned his wings as a junior pilot in October 1916. Scanlon was briefly posted to the Philippines as commanding officer of the 2nd Aero Squadron and then headed to France with AEF where he underwent advanced flight training with the Royal Flying Corps. In August 1918 Major (temporary) Scanlon was assigned to the 91st Aero Squadron and then given command of Columbey-Les-Belles aerodrome. He advanced to air service commander V Corps before proceeding to additional air staff assignments with the US Army of Occupation. ScanlonÆs career during the inter-war years was marked by the typical rotation from post to post including an overseas assignment as air attachÚ in Rome. He graduated from the prestigious Command and General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth in June 1929 before heading to the prime post of London as military attachÚ. Colonel (temporary) Scanlon was appointed special assistant to the American Ambassador Joseph Kennedy in April 1939 but quickly reverted to attachÚ in September 1939 as the defeatist Ambassador drew President RooseveltÆs ire by overstepped his authority in seeking a private meeting with Adolph Hitler. Brigadier General (temporary) Scanlon retained the post of military attachÚ in London and witnessed firsthand the climactic Battle of Britain and subsequent Blitz until returning to the US in July 1941. Scanlon had been on a fast track with the burgeoning Headquarters Army Air Forces until March 1942 when he was sent to Australia in charge of No. 2 Air Command under Lt. General George H. Brett. The posting was dissolved in May 1942 and it appears to have had the simultaneous effect of derailing ScanlonÆs once promising career. Upon returning to the States, Scanlon was exiled to a series of training commands in New Mexico and California for the duration and never received a second star, much less retain his first. After serving in an administrative post in Hawaii in 1946 he reverted to his regular rank of colonel. ScanlonÆs name is also peripherally associated with the lore of crashed UFOÆs and extraterrestrials at the White Sands Proving Grounds near Roswell, New Mexico in July 1947. It was Scanlon who had established the radar watch at White Sands before retiring as a colonel on June 29, 1948. Martin Scanlon passed away on January 26, 1980."

This gun is near new and in its original box. Retaining ca 99% original blue finish. Includes leather holster, double magazine pouch, cleaning rod, manual and three magazines.

Ex. Harry B. Andree, Jr.