British Colt Government Model 1911 .455 Webley Semi-Auto Pistol, 1916 C&R
Sold For: $2,376
LSB#: 200807DW09
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model
Serial Number: W67622
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: .455 Webley Self-Loading
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL / W 67622”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 455”. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902 / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG. 19, 1913”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” and at the rear of the slide with a Rampant Colt logo. The top of the frame is marked “E” behind the disconnector and “V” to the right. There is a square mark on the top of the frame to the right of the feed-ramp. The left of the trigger guard has “VP” in triangle and “R”. There are British proof marks on the left-rear of the slide and the left of the frame on and above the trigger guard. The magazine floorplate is marked “CAL. 455 / ELEY”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “U”-notched rear sight dovetailed into the slide and a short rounded blade front sight fixed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. The grips have darkened with age and handling, showing a few scattered light dings and scratches as well as tool marks around the grip screws. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are scattered spots of light surface erosion, mostly on the slide, and some spots of light surface oxidation. There are several scattered light nicks and scratches. The actions shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has nominal play to the frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine with a lanyard ring on the floorplate and the top portion left in the white. The magazine has some surface oxidation, light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. The quality of the pistol was not lost on those from foreign countries, and there have been examples used all around the world. Demand was high enough that Colt chambered their Government model for the British self-loading service cartridge, .455 Webley. There were some government contracts and also many were purchased by British officers who frequently purchased their own service sidearms. This example has an “E” contract marking on the top of the frame, indicating that it came from a British government purchase during the Great War in 1916. While there were many different users of this model, they are most associated with the Royal Flying Corps and nearly all would end up in the service of the re-named Royal Air Force. It shows wear consistent with having been carried in service, but still retains about 75% of its original blue finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This will be a great pistol to add to a WWI, British, or Colt collection. If you have a good source of .455 Webley Self-Loading ammo, it could also be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R Pistol CAN be sold as a dealer sale in California and CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) as our Simi Valley location. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
