1912 PRODUCTION WWI COLT MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY .45 ACP PISTOL
SOLD FOR: $7,735
1912 Production WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Navy .45 ACP Pistol
Make: Colt
Model: 1911 U.S. Navy
Serial Number: 12546
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are double-diamond checkered walnut panels. The grips show moderate wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is compressed in some areas and well defined in others. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Most finish is original to the parts. Some parts have stronger finish than surrounding surfaces on the frame, possibly indicating replacement, the recoil spring plug is a replacement, the mainspring housing has been refinished and its retaining pin is a replacement.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn copper fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 25% of its metal finish. Most finish on the slide and frame is in protected areas or around raised features. Other areas show wear and minor surface oxidation. There is some surface erosion, mostly on the right of the slide and frame, and some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single punch and saw-cut “keyhole” magazine with lanyard loop floorplate.
Our Assessment: This a nice find for 1911 collectors, a 1912 produced U.S. Navy model, shipped to the Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York on November 9. It has a variety of early features including a round-top rear sight, long-leg guide rod, steep-radius firing pin plate, and a “keyhole” magazine. The pistol retains some original finish with a better bore than the exterior would indicate and strong mechanics. Of the hundreds of thousands of 1911s produced, only 13,500 would have “NAVY” marked slides with the later Navy issued pistols marked “ARMY”. don’t miss out on a chance for an early US Navy 1911!