WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2053
LSB#: 210911DJ14
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 239394
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “No 239394″. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. 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”, “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 “JMG” monogram in circle. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” and “8” in front of the disconnector, and “G” behind. There are no markings on the barrel.
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. The grips have light handling wear. There are some light nicks and scuffs, mostly in the right panel. There are some smoothed checkers at the bottom-front corner of the right panel, otherwise, the checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Strongest finish is in the frame flats outside the grip areas. The grip areas show handling wear and the slide has scattered finish wear. There is scattered minor surface oxidation, most notable in the worn areas. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear except for the barrel which has very faint wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
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. 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 single two-tone 7-round magazine. The magazine has some scattered spots of light surface oxidation and minor erosion, but shows little in the way of 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 made toward the end of WWI in 1918. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining about 60% of its original blued finish with a fairly nice bore in its replacement barrel 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!