This set of Colt pistols belonged to the decorated and late U.S. Army Brigadier General and First Dean of Students at Texas A&M University, James Percy Hannigan. Both handguns have been authenticated and will be shipped with their certificate of authenticity provided by the Colt Archive Properties.

What You'll Receive if Purchased:

• (1) Colt Government Model Automatic Pistol
• (1) Government Model Authentication Letter from the Colt Archive Properties.
• (1) Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Pocket Automatic Pistol
• (1) Model 1903 Hammerless Authentication Letter from the Colt Archive Properties.
• (1) Factory Test Target
• (1) Factory Information Pamphlet
• (1) Hardcover "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols" Book, by John W. Brunner

J.P. Hannigan and Texas A&M University

On May 1st, 1959, James Percy Hannigan was named Texas A&M Universities first Dean of Students by then university president (and local pioneer), James Earl Rudder. During his term as Dean of Students, Hannigan was responsible for supervising nearly a dozen key departments critical to the universities operations, including the Dean of Men, Dean of Women, Commandant’s Office, Memorial Student Center, University Health Center, University Police, Housing, YMCA, Veterans Affairs, and Foreign Student Advisor Offices.

Hannigan later served as Founder and Advisor for the Texas A&M University chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He retired as Dean of Students on August 31, 1973. During his tenure, student enrollment at Texas A&M University grew from 5,000 to 18,000 students. Hannigan was awarded Dean Emeritus by TAMUS BOR on the recommendation of Dr. John J. Koldus, 1974. Hannigan passed away on May 14, 1986.

Military Decorations

Hannigan was awarded the Legion of Merit on July 20, 1942, ‘for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from January 13, 1953 to July 31, 1959. He received a Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, an Army Commendation Ribbon, a European Theater of Operations with two battle stars, a French Croix de Guerre, and a Korean Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star.

Pistol Details

The details below has been provided and authenticated directly by the Colt Archive Properties.

Colt Government Model Automatic Pistol -

• Serial Number: C160965
• Caliber: .45/c
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Finish: Blue
• Type of Stocks: Not Listed
• Factory Engraved: "Lt.J.P. Hannigan and etc." is engraved on the slide.
• Shipped To: D.N. Walford
• Address: Not Listed
• Dealer Locations: Washington, D.C. & Annapolis, MD
• Date of Shipment: March 5, 1931
• Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 1

Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Pocket Automatic Pistol -

• Serial Number: 566945
• Caliber: .32/c
• Barrel Length: 3 3/4"
• Finish: Blue
• Type of Stocks: Not Listed
• Sold To: United States Government
• Shipped To: Transportation Officer, Springfield Armory
• Address: Springfield, Massachusetts - For: Commanding Officer Percy
• Date of Shipment: December 30, 1944
• Colt Factory Order: #4711
• Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 1,583

*** The serial number on the Model 1903 (566945) can be traced back to J.P. Hannigan through the leading informative resource on the subject, book "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols", by John W. Brunner, page 179 (see photos above).***