Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army Augusta .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1650
LSB#: 210506MW89
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 480888
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
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” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, with a Rampant Colt logo at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. ARMY”. The right side of the frame is marked “NO 480888”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, “A A” and with an incomplete eagle’s head inspector mark. The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “G” and “H”. The rear face of the slide, above the firing pin plate, is marked “H” (vertical, no serif), under the plate is a sideways “3” and a “Z”. The left barrel lug is marked “P”, the right “HS” (WWII replacement barrel).
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The rear sight is a “U” notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips show handling wear with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined with some blunted checkers around the smooth diamonds. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor erosion under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as arsenal refurbished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has very little play to the frame. 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 one lanyard-loop floorplate magazine which has been refinished with parkerizing. The magazine has light operational wear, some minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 made in 1918, toward the end of the Great War. The pistol was refurbished by Augusta Arsenal and appears to have seen light use since. The pistol has several WWI production features with the most notable features of its refurbishment being the new finish and WWII-era barrel. It should make a nice addition for the 1911 collector and should still make for a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!