Colt Government Model 1911 BB Pre-Series 70 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $5625
LSB#: 210719HE04
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model 1911, Pre-Series ’70 “BB”
Serial Number: 335912-C
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT / *MODEL*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a rampant Colt logo. The right of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked with the serial number over “BB”. The left of the trigger guard has “H” and a “VP” in triangle, the right has “Z”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO BB”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a serrated rear face staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic “Coltwood” panels with rampant colt in circle in the middle of each panel. The screw holes are slightly stretched due to shrinkage (common with Coltwood grips). Otherwise, there is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition and would rate Excellent but for the shrinkage.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is minor operational wear. The slide’s finish has a slight plum hue. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
-Two-piece wood-grain cardboard Colt box. The serial number is hand-written on the bottom and two corners of the lid have tape-repairs on the interior.
-Wax paper.
-Manual.
-One 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The 1911 is one of the best pistols ever designed, seeing use in the US Military for the better part of a century and dominating pistol shooting sports for decades. This 1970 vintage commercial Government model is a great example of a post-war Commercial Government model. It is one of the scarce “BB” marked models, indicating the new Barrel and Bushing. These BB marked guns preceded the Series ’70 name which would be applied to them shortly after the introduction of the collet barrel bushing. The pistol is in Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in its included box than out, showing minor handling wear and the shrinkage in its Coltwood grips which is so common, but not too bad on this example. This is a beautiful pistol, perfect to add to any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!