WWII Colt US Model 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1378
LSB#: 210506MW01
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 738138
Year of Manufacture: 1941 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), the slide was made in 1943.
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 rear face of the slide is marked “1127 / 760” under the firing pin plate. The left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof, the left side of the frame below the slide stop is marked with “R.S.” in box. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 738138” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “T”, the right is marked “69”. The top of the frame is marked “G” and “R.S.” in box at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the bottom of the barrel is marked “B” and the right lug is marked “C” in box. The magazine floorplate is marked “C-S” on the bottom and “S” on the top. The right slide flat has what appears to be a British crowned “GP” marking behind the slide, though there are no other visible British markings.
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 rings around the grip screws but without reinforcement ribs on the interior. The grips have a few minor nicks and minor handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: The finish is original to the parts, the slide is not original to the frame and some other parts are likely replacements (the recoil spring is an after-market part).
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The slide has generally strong finish with some scattered minor nicks, scratches and a few spots of minor erosion. The frame has scattered finish wear, most notable in the grip areas, some areas have gone to a light patina, there are some scattered light nicks, scratches and some spots of minor erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear except for the British proof which is poorly and shallowly struck. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as assembled.
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. The magazine has operational wear, some minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in 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. This example has a frame which was produced by Colt in 1941 and a slide made in 1943. The pistol is in Very Good condition as assembled, retaining about 70% of its metal finish, a very shootable bore and strong mechanics. It will make a good addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection, or could still prove to be a nice shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!