Colt/Springfield Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1650
LSB#: 210506MW09
Make: Colt frame, Springfield Armory slide
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 296123
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “No 296123″, the left is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. The left side of the slide is marked “??0,1897. / SEPT.9,1902. DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911 / COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO.”, “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY / U.S.A.” and behind the slide serrations with a flaming bomb Ordnance mark. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of and “G” behind the disconnector. The left barrel link lug is marked “S” and “P”.
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 integral to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have light-moderate wear with a few scattered nicks and scratches. There is a loss in the top diamond on the right grip panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable at the leading edges of the slide. The finish is generally strong with scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is an arc of wear on the slide and frame around the slide stop. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has minor 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 marked “R” on the top of the floorplate. The magazine has a defined line in the middle with blue finish in the top portion and the bottom portion in the white. The magazine shows scattered wear and light oxidation with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Good-plus 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 is a U. S. Government marked 1911 pistol with a Colt frame and a Springfield Armory slide. The pistol is in about Very Good condition, retaining about 95% of its new parkerized finish. The pistol shows wear consistent with a refurbished military sidearm, retaining a shootable bore and strong mechanics. This should make a nice addition for the 1911 collector and should still make for a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!