WWII Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2000
LSB#: 210915DS03
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 621518
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (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 “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / OG No 621518″. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. 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 what looks like a faint eagle. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of the disconnector, and “G” behind. The bottom of the chamber is marked “S”. The bottom left of the chamber is marked “COLT 45 AUTO”. The left side of the barrel link lug is marked “P”. The rear of the slide is marked “Z” under the firing pin plate. The bottom of the slide is marked “5”, “A”, “7” and with a few more partial stampings. The left rear of the trigger guard is marked “17”.
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. There are one or two tiny marks on the bottom faces. The checkering is strong. There are a few little lines on the diamonds from cutting the checkering, most noticeable on the diamonds on the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as rebuilt.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Ogden Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is lightly worn but has remained strong. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its new metal finish. There is scattered erosion under the finish, the most noticeable is on the slide. There is thinning and finish loss on the edges, most noticeable on the slide on the front edges. There is some finish loss on the bottom of the slide in front of the dust cover. There are some light rubs to the finish. There are a few other light marks. There is standard operational wear. The markings are mostly clear but some are very light and incomplete due to refinishing. The screwheads are lightly worn with strong slots. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as Arsenal Rebuilt.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety. The slide has light 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: One 7-round magazine is included.
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 after WWI in 1919. The pistol is in Fine condition as rebuilt, retaining about 94% of its parkerized finish with a surprisingly nice bore and strong mechanics. The pistol was rebuilt at Ogden Arsenal and has WWI production features with the most notable features of its refurbishment being the new finish and WWII-era barrel. 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!