WWI/WWII U.S. Colt 1911 1911A1 Slide .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 210913BM13
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 285107
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 285107″. 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”, with a rampant colt and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The rear of the slide is marked “798 / 155” under the firing pin plate. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with “JMG” monogram in circle. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H”, “P” and “G” around the disconnector. The bottom-left of the barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO”, the bottom in front of the lugs is marked “G”, the left link lug is marked “P”.
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 walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have moderate handling wear with some areas of the checkering worn smooth, most notable at the bottom-front of the right panel. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a couple of more notable dings at the bottom of the left panel. There are tool marks around the grip screws. The checkering ranges from well defined to worn. There is a small chip-loss at the front edge of the right panel toward the bottom. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in 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. The frame’s threads are fairly strong, but the bushing’s threads are partially stripped.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished, the slide is not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. The grip areas show handling wear. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with infrequent minor surface oxidation. There is some light erosion under the finish, mostly under the grip panels. There is a light “idiot mark” around the slide stop on the left of both the slide and frame. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to 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 frame’s threads are fairly strong, but the bushing’s threads are partially stripped. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.
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. The frame’s threads are fairly strong, but the bushing’s threads are partially stripped. 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: This pistol comes with a brown leather flap-holster and a single 7-round magazine. The holster is marked “US” in oval on the flap, showing scattered wear, some discoloration, and verdigris at the metal parts. The magazine has a Chip McCormick follower and the floorplate has two drilled and tapped holes, presumably for mounting a basepad (no pad is present). The magazine shows light operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 with a frame made toward the end of WWI in 1918. It appears it may have seen arsenal refurbishment, with its new parkerized finish consistent between the frame and its 1942 vintage slide. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining about 87% of its new finish with a great 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!