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Item: Original 1945 Jack O’Connor Signed Outdoor Life Letter
Date: July 18, 1945 (World War II Era)
Signatory: Jack O’Connor, Legendary Firearms Editor and Outdoor Writer
Subject: Technical Ballistics and WWII Trophy Firearms – 9mm Steyr Pistol
Description:
An authentic and historically significant 1945 Typed Letter Signed (TLS) from renowned firearms authority and outdoor writer Jack O’Connor.
Written on official Outdoor Life – First Choice of Discriminating Sportsmen stationery from the Arms & Ammunition Department, the letter is addressed to Corporal Albert Diodati, who was serving overseas with the 325th Field Artillery Battalion during World War II.
The correspondence provides a fascinating contemporary account of the Austrian Steyr 9mm automatic pistol, including technical details of its ballistic performance. O’Connor discusses a 116-grain bullet, a reported muzzle velocity of 1,200 feet per second, and muzzle energy of approximately 370 foot-pounds.
Particularly noteworthy is his observation that American soldiers returning from overseas are bringing these pistols home as war trophies. He remarks that he has “received dozens of letters from soldiers overseas who have them” and predicts that American ammunition manufacturers will eventually begin producing the proprietary ammunition required for these firearms.
The letter offers a compelling firsthand perspective on wartime firearms, military trophy collecting, and postwar ammunition availability. It also documents the professional correspondence of Jack O’Connor during his influential career at Outdoor Life.
The document features a clear, bold ink signature from Jack O’Connor, making it an appealing collectible for enthusiasts of outdoor sporting history, firearms literature, World War II memorabilia, and signed historical correspondence.
Condition:
Good vintage condition for a 1945 document associated with wartime correspondence. Displays typical horizontal mailing folds and some edge wear and roughness along the right margins. The paper remains structurally sound, and both the typed text and handwritten signature are bold and completely legible. Please inspect the high-resolution photographs for a detailed assessment of the document’s exact condition.
Shipping & Handling:
The letter will be securely placed inside an acid-free archival sleeve and packed flat between thick, rigid cardboard backing panels to help prevent bending, creasing, or damage during transit. Tracked shipping is included.
