Colt WWI Commemorative 2nd Battle of the Marne 1911 .45 ACP Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 210914BW08
Make: Colt
Model: WWI Commemorative Series 1911 2nd Battle of the Marne
Serial Number: 3215-M2
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistols with Removable Magazines
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked with a banner reading “1917 / WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIVE / 1967” and “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The chamber is marked “COLT .45 AUTO” and also has a “VP” proof. The right side of the frame with the serial number. The left side of the slide is engraved with a scene involving American soldiers firing at German soldiers across a river and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated ramped rear face to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch base dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth blonde wood. The left grip has a medallion of an American eagle marked “1917*1918 / WORLD WAR” and also has a rectangular plaque marked “2nd BATTLE of the MARNE”. The right grip is marked with a medallion of an American soldier and marked “U.S.A. / THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION” and with the names of our allies. The right panel has a small compression above the medallion. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some minor operational wear, most notable on the grip safety. Some of the gold fill on the markings has been worn or muted. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. The pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. 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: Included is a 7-round Colt magazine and a second Battle of the Marne display case.
Our Assessment: The best of man can only be seen in the worst of circumstances. This gorgeous 1911 pistol commemorates the Second Battle of the Marne, a military operation that started on July 15, 1918 with a major German offensive operation that would end up being their last. The German forces began with an artillery bombardment but failed to realize that the targets they attacked were actually false trenches, manned by only a handful of Allied soldiers and arms to put on a façade of defense. This led the German forces to believe their enemy was weakened and they advanced, only to find the real frontline was farther away, untouched by their bombardment and able to retaliate and shatter the German forces’ approach. By July 18, 1918, the Allied forces countered with an offensive push, dubbed the Battle of Chateau-Thierry, that would start the final path to victory for the Allies. It a turning point in a years-long war, an operation that would shape the reputation of the United States as a modern military power and impact the legend of the Colt 1911, a side arm used extensively by the Allied forces during these last months of WWI. This is a beautiful Colt Government Model 1911 with a high luster blued finish and with gold-filled engraving. The pistol also has custom grips with WWI medallions and the name of the battle the particular pistol commemorates. The pistol is in about Excellent condition with no major defects. This series from Colt commemorates the four major battles our soldiers fought in World War I, the “War To End All Wars”. This is the 2nd Battle of the Marne 1911 made in 1967. This is an amazing tribute to the contribution America has made to keep the world free. Please see our pistols and good luck!