Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army Augusta Arsenal .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1918
SOLD FOR: $1551.02
LSB#: 210608MW33
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 354109
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 354109″, the left is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the dust cover and “AA” above the front of the trigger guard. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. 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 rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs) above the firing pin plate, under the plate is an “H” (with serifs). The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with an inspector’s mark. It is faint, but appears to be eagle’s head over “S5”. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of the disconnector, “3” to the right and “G” behind. The bottom of the barrel is marked “S” in front of the link-lugs, the top has an “HP” monogram.
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 fixed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: The finish appears to be a black phosphate.
Finish Originality: This pistol was Arsenal Refurbished at Augusta Arsenal, we believe it has been refinished since then.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. Most of the balance is in light operational wear. There is scattered erosion under the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine 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 nominal 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: None. Please note, this pistol does not come with a magazine.
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 Colt 1911 pistol originally made in 1918. The pistol was refurbished by Anniston Arsenal and appears to have been refinished again since. The pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition as refurbished, retaining about 98% of its new finish, a shootable bore and strong mechanics. This is a great example of a 1911 that has survived more than a century and is still ready to hit the range. Please see our photos and good luck!