WWII Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 210911DJ13
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 628998
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 / No 628998″. 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”, with a rampant colt and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs). 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 right link-lug of the barrel is marked “MA”, the left is marked “M P”, and the chamber is marked “.45 AUTO / 779113” (post-WWII replacement barrel). The rear of the slide is marked “1” under the firing pin plate. The bottom of the slide has inspection marks. The left of the trigger guard has an incomplete inspector’s/assembler’s marking.
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 wood panels. The grips have minor handling wear with a little discoloration on the right panel. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The chrome lined bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with only a few scattered minor marks. There is some erosion and minor pitting under the finish, most notable on the right slide flat but with a little on the trigger guard and under the grips. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear, but the lack of military inspection/acceptance marks on the frame likely indicates that they have been removed. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished.
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 two-tone 7-round magazine is included, marked “A” on top of the floorplate (American Pin Co.). The magazine has minor operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, and a strong spring. There is a very small crack on the top-rear of the magazine body at the left feed-lip.
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 refinished, retaining about 98% of its new parkerized finish. The pistol has a post-war replacement barrel which is chrome lined and is in great condition. With so much finish left, the pistol looks great, and its great bore and strong mechanics will make for a great shooter. This should make a nice addition for the 1911 collector, as well. Please see our photos and good luck!