WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2550
LSB#: 210419MB36
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1204818
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR 20 1897 SEPT.9 1902 / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913”, rampant colt, and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, the top of the slide is marked “P”. The left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof, the left side of the frame above the magazine release is marked with “G.H.D.” (this marking appears to be over another very light marking). The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 1204818” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, the rear has an incomplete Ordnance wheel marking. The left of the trigger guard has a double-marked “VP” in triangle and and “8”, the right is marked “74”. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P” and the left of the barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” above the lug.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated ramp fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement ribs on the inside and large reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered compressed checkers. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent very minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its metal finish. There are spots of surface erosion at the right-rear of the slide, frame and grip safety extension with wear around this erosion from cleaning. There are a few other scattered light marks including a faint scratch under the slide stop. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable at the leading edges of the slid. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are generally clear, the ordnance wheel is incomplete (common) and the slide legend appears to have been applied with a worn die. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very light play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. We have not fired 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 marked “R” on the top of the floorplate with the top portion of the body finished in the white. The magazine shows minor operational wear, scattered minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition. Also included is a Robert’s Arms Specialties Protecta-Gun two-piece cardboard box with a hand-written label which has this pistol’s information. The box shows little in the way of storage wear, in Fine-Excellent 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. This example was produced by Colt in 1943. The pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition, retaining about 94% of its parkerized finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. It will make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!