WWII US Army Colt 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2280
LSB#: 210506MW30
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 836985
Year of Manufacture: 1942
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 “836 / 985” 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 above the trigger relief-cut is marked with “W.B.” in box. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 836985” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, the rear has an Ordnance wheel marking. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “X”, the right is marked “69”. The top of the frame is marked “G” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the right lug is marked “HS”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, rounded blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement ribs on the inside and reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have minor handling wear. There are some light nicks and scratches at the bottom of each panel. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: The finish is some sort of blue/black coating over parkerizing.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered flaking of the finish, mostly in the grip areas and trigger guard, but with some on the slide. The areas of finish loss generally show surface oxidation and some minor erosion. There are scattered light nicks and scratches including a light “idiot mark” below the slide stop. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, a few are worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is 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 “S” on the top of the floorplate and “C-S” on the bottom. The magazine shows minor operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about 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 was produced by Colt in 1942. Interestingly, its serial number is in a range which was originally assigned to Harrington & Richardson, but was re-assigned to Colt after H&R’s contract was cancelled. The pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished, retaining about 85% of its new metal coating, a great bore and strong mechanics. This pistol was produced before Colt stopped serializing its slides, so it is nice to know that the slide is original to the frame, with a matching serial number. It will make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!