WWI US Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2725
LSB#: 210901NT04
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 143353
Year of Manufacture: 1917
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” 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 143353”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and behind the trigger with a circled “GHS” (Col. Gilbert H. Stewart, Colt 1911 Pistols 1915-1919). The top of the barrel at the chamber opening is marked with “H” and “P”. the underside of the barrel in front of the lug is marked “5”. The top rear face of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serif) and under the firing pin plate is “Z”. The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “G”, “H” and “P”, and the right rail is marked with a small square. The flat on the underside of the slide is marked “W”, “U” and “G”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The rear sight is a “V” notch dovetailed into the slide. The sights are not original to the gun.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips show light handling wear, most notable in the right panel where there are some compressed checkers. The checkering is otherwise generally well defined. There are no cracks. The grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: We believe the pistol has been restored, though quite well done. The sights and recoil spring are not original to the gun, there may be other replacement small parts.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The balance is mostly in light finish wear along the top of the slide and handling wear in the grip areas. There is infrequent other wear and some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are a few minor nicks and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible 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 two-tone 7-round magazine marked “A” on the top of the floorplate. The magazine has light operational wear, some minor oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring. Also included is a brown leather flap-holster marked on the flap with “US” in oval and “SUP CO 325” and “99”, the belt loop is marked “WARREN LEATHER / GOODS CO. / 1917 / F.I.C.”. The holster shows scattered light wear with verdigris at the metal parts, intact stitching, and it has a lanyard hanging from the bottom.
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 Colt Model 1911 that was made during WWI in 1917. The pistol appears to have been quite skillfully restored, with a proper blue finish. The pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition as restored with 85% of its finish remaining. The bore is strong with sharp rifling and infrequent minor erosion. This is a good looking pistol and an excellent example of a sidearm issued in one of the most destructive conflicts in history, and will make a nice addition to a WWI small arms or 1911 specific collection. Please see our photos and good luck!