WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1805
LSB#: 210612TP27
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 832033
Year of Manufacture: Colt indicates production in 1943 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup), but the “W.B.” inspector’s marking (Waldemar Broberg) would indicate production in 1942. The confusion is likely due to this serial number being in a range originally assigned to Harrington & Richardson, later transferred to Colt after H&R’s contract was cancelled.
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 “W.B.” in box. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 832033” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate, is marked “832 / 033”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “X”, the right is marked “69”. 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, 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 right panel ha a couple of scratches, one behind and one below the top mounting screw. The reinforcement rings around the screws show tool marks. Otherwise, there is minor handling wear. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition. Note: the bottom-right bushing and its hole on the frame are stripped, turning the bottom-right grip screw turns the bushing in the frame.
Type of Finish: Parkerized & Blued
Finish Originality: The frame’s finish appears Original, the slide has been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves along the edges of the rifling.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 60% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The slide has fairly strong blue finish toward the front and some on the right slide flat back to the ejection port. The slide appears to have been cold blued over worn parkerizing, as other areas appear to have some remaining parkerizing, others gone to a light patina. The slide has some light nicks and scratches with infrequent erosion. The frame has wear and oxidation in the grip areas with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches in the flats. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The bottom-right bushing and its hole on the frame are stripped, turning the bottom-right grip screw turns the bushing in the frame. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good-plus condition as partially refinished.
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 shows moderate operational wear, some surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about 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, and is in a serial range which was originally assigned to Harrington & Richardson, then re-assigned to Colt after the H&R contract was cancelled. The pistol is in Good-plus condition, retaining about 60% of its current metal finish, a decent 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 nice addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!