Argentine Model 1927 Hartford Colt 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1927 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1050.10
LSB#: 210801GC05
Make: Colt
Model: 1927
Serial Number: 2303
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1927. There were 10,000 built between 1927 and 1928.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D APR.20.1897. SEPT.9.1902. DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913.” and with a rampant colt logo. The top of the slide in front of the rear sight is marked “No 2303”. The right side of the slide is marked with the Argentine crest, “EJERCITO ARGENTINO / COLT CAL. 45 MOD. 1927”. The right side of the frame above the trigger is marked “2303”, but inside the slot for the mainspring housing is “8525”. The top of the barrel is marked “2303”. The left of the frame has Colt inspection marks around the top grip screw bushing and just in front of the grip is the import mark “JLD ENT FARM CT”. There are ovalled “RA” Argentine inspection marks on the rear face of the slide under the firing pin plate, the inside of the firing pin plate, the top of the frame at the disconnector, the bottom of the barrel in front of the link lugs, the right of the mainspring housing, and the top of the hammer above the hammer pin.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic panels with reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on the interior. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished. The slide is not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered light erosion under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished and not parts original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has very little 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, no magazine is included.
Our Assessment: In 1914, the Argentine military adopted the Colt M1911 as their standard military sidearm. Originally, Argentina contracted with Colt to produce the pistols, but in 1923 they started a program of increasing the domestic production of their military equipment. In 1927, Argentina negotiated a contract with Colt to purchase 10,000 more pistols as well as a license to produce the design in their own country. The 10,000 pistols made for Argentina by Colt have become known as the Hartford Colts. This is one of those 10,000 which has a slide from fairly early production which has been mated to a later production frame. The frame has been force-matched to the slide and barrel, but still has its original serial number under the mainspring housing. Given the location of the Colt inspection marks under the grip and the Colt patent dates on the slide, there is little doubt that both the slide and frame are from Hartford Colts, and they were likely matched by an Argentine arsenal during refurbishment. The pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished with much of its new finish remaining, a shootable bore and strong mechanics. This is a nice example of the Argentine “Hartford Colts” and will make a great display with other Argentine handguns or in a 1911 collection. Please see our photos and good luck!