WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1925
LSB#: 210506MW94
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 883698
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
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 “G.H.D.”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 883698” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, the rear has a faint Ordnance wheel marking. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “P”, the right is marked “41”. The top of the frame is marked “G” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P” and the right lug is marked “HS”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The reinforcing rings are larger on the right panel than the left. The right panel has reinforcement ribs on the interior, the left does not. The grips have light handling wear with a few light nicks and scuffs, most in the right panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as at least partially not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished, the slide is not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, most at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly the leading edges. There are some scattered nicks and scratches, most under the finish. There is scattered light erosion under the finish and some minor oxidation in the right slide serrations. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the ordnance wheel is incomplete (common), and some markings are worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition as 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 marked “S” on the top of the floorplate and “C-S” on the bottom. The magazine shows light operational wear, 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 example was produced by Colt in 1943. The pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished, retaining about 95% of its new parkerized finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. It will make a nice addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection and should still be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!