Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2054
LSB#: 211002NI12
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: C111075
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
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. AUG. 19. 1913” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” with a rampant colt logo in between the two. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 45”. The right side of the frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL / C 111075”. The top of the frame is marked “G” at the disconnector. The left of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “5” at the bottom rear. The bottom of the chamber is marked “S”. The bottom of the slide is marked “Y”. The top of the frame to the right of the feed ramp is marked “3”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked “C”. The right side of the barrel link is marked “U”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips are replacements. The right panel shows more wear in the checkering with a couple smooth portions. There are some light marks on the smooth diamonds. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the panels are in about Very Good-Plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright. The rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion, more so in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is considerable finish loss on the front strap. There are scattered nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. There is a scratch on the left side of the frame from improper installation of the slide stop during reassembly. The right side of the frame at the rear has spots of finish loss with light pitting as does the left side above the dust cover. The bottom of the slide has a significant streak of loss. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is slight play between the frame and slide. The trigger pull is crisp. 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 one two-tone 7-round magazine. The magazine has operational wear and scattered surface erosion and pitting. The left feed lips are intact and the spring is strong.
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. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of “the slide”, which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns. Having secured a contract for the US Military sidearm, Colt also offered the pistol to the commercial market as the “Government Model”. This is a Colt commercial Government Model made in 1919. It is particularly interesting in that it is a commercial pistol with a government marking on the top of the frame. Colt was known for not wasting any parts so when there was a surplus of frames made and marked to fulfill government contracts which were cancelled after the war, they would use them for commercial pistols. The pistol is in Very Good condition. All of the old 1911 Colts are collectable, and we are sure this isn’t going to be an exception. Please see our pictures and good luck in your bidding!