WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2555

LSB#: 210801GC04

Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 227698

Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)

Markings: The right of the frame is marked “No 227698″. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the dust cover. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902 / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG. 19, 1913”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” and behind the slide serrations with a rampant colt logo. The rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs). The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with “GHS” monogram in circle. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” and “I” in front of the disconnector, and “G” behind. The top of the chamber is marked “H” and “P” monogram, the bottom in front of the link lug is marked “5”.

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 walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The most notable wear in the checkering is at the bottom of each panel. The grips have a few scattered light nicks with a line of wear on the left panel across the bottom edge of the grip screw hole. There are a few ight tool marks in the diamonds around the grip screws. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Note: The left grip panel’s top mounting screw is seized in its bushing, turning the screw head turns the bushing in the frame rather than turning the screw in its bushing.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There is some light wear and minor discoloration under the grip panels. There is some other scattered light finish wear, most on the top of the slide. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The left grip panel’s top mounting screw is seized in its bushing, turning the screw head turns the bushing in the frame rather than turning the screw in its bushing. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

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. The left grip panel’s top mounting screw is seized in its bushing, turning the screw head turns the bushing in the frame rather than turning the screw in its bushing. 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 made toward the end of WWI in 1918. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining about 70% of its blued finish with a surprisingly nice bore and strong mechanics. The pistol shows honest wear which could be considered light for a military sidearm that’s more than 100 years old. This should make a nice addition for the 1911 collector and should still make for a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!

WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R