Pre-WWI US Colt Model 1911 U.S. Navy .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1913 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4650
LSB#: 210918MW30
Make: Colt
Model: 1911, Navy
Serial Number: 39362
Year of Manufacture: 1913
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.” 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. NAVY”. The right side of the frame is marked “NO 39362”. 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 left barrel lug has remnants of what appears to be a “C” in box. The top rear face of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serif). The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “H” and “T”. The flat on the underside of the slide is marked “T” and “2”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The top of the blade has a compression and there are serrations on the rear portion. The rear sight is a round-top “U” notch dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight doesn’t appear to be an original round-top, it appears to have been modified. 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 at the bottom-front. The checkering is otherwise generally well defined. There are light tool marks around the grip screws. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Very Good-FIne condition as likely not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with the most notable finish loss on the top of the slide between the rear sight and the ejection port and handling wear on the mainspring housing. The finish’s color ranges from a bright blue to a plum hue. There are some scattered light nicks, scratches and minor erosion under the finish. The action shows minor operational wear. The grip screws are generally sharp, the bottom-left screw has erosion on the head with a strong slot. The magazine catch retaining screw is disfigured with a useable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has minor 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 a black leather flap-holster and a single 7-round magazine. The magazine is blued in the bottom portion with the top portion in the white, the floorplate has a lanyard ring. The magazine has light operational wear with some scattered minor surface oxidation, a few spots of erosion, intact feed lips and a strong spring. The holster shows scattered wear with intact stitching.
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 before WWI in 1913. Its serial number places the frame as being shipped to the United States Navy, and it has a Navy marked slide. The pistol has been refinished, with most of its new blue finish remaining, so it looks great. The pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition as refinished with 95% of its new finish, a decent bore, and strong mechanics. This is a good looking pistol and a nice example of a pre-WWI Navy sidearm, perfect for a 1911 collection. Please see our photos and good luck!