1917 Colt US Property Model 1911 .45 ACP 5? Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,955.00
LSB#: LSB260123GP013
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 208005
Year of Manufacture: 1917 (
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Removable Magazine Fed Single Action SA Semi-Automatic Pistol.
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “United States Property” along with the “GHS” inspection mark. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The left side of the slide is marked “Patented April 20, 1897, Sept 9, 1902, Dec 19, 1905, Feb 14, 1911, Aug 19, 1913/ Colt’s PTFA Mfg Co, Hartford, Ct, USA” with the Colt Rampart on the rear corner of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “Model of 1911 US Army”. The barrel is marked “T 5”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade that is staked to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat top square-notch that is dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut grips. The grips have 3 hash marks cut in the right grip. There is handling wear and some compressed checkering. There is black iron staining. Overall this set of grips is in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Brushed blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. There is minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at 9/10
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its original finish. There is thinned bluing throughout. There is handling and operational wear. There is corrosion staining, particularly under the grips. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this pistol is in Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x 7 Round Magazine
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1911, produced here in 1917, stands squarely within the peak of World War I production when demand for sidearms surged to support the expanding American Expeditionary Forces. Marked “United States Property” with the GHS inspection stamp of Gilbert H. Stewart, this pistol reflects early wartime manufacturing standards before later simplifications of the 1911A1 pattern. The design, developed by John Browning and adopted in 1911, paired a robust recoil-operated system with the newly standardized .45 ACP cartridge, delivering the performance and reliability required for military service. Pistols from this period were carried in the trenches of Europe and became synonymous with American military sidearms for decades to follow.
This example retains approximately 70% of its original brushed blue finish, with visible thinning across high-contact areas and scattered corrosion staining, most notably beneath the grips. The slide markings, including the Colt address and “Model of 1911 U.S. Army,” remain clear and well defined, preserving its identity as a proper wartime Colt. The bore is bright with well-defined rifling, rating 9/10, with only minor fouling present. The original-style checkered walnut grips show service wear, including compressed checkering, iron staining, and three hash marks carved into the right panel, reflecting use and period character. The small staked front sight and flat-top rear notch remain consistent with early 1911 configuration, maintaining the pistol’s original sighting arrangement.
The 1917 Colt 1911 represents a direct link to American service during the First World War, embodying both the design maturity of Browning’s pistol and the realities of wartime production and field use. Examples such as this, retaining original finish and inspection marks, offer a clear view into the pistols issued to U.S. forces during one of the defining conflicts of the early 20th century. This pistol presents as an honest, well-used survivor with strong historical character, maintaining its mechanical function and identifiable wartime features. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF