WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3625
LSB#: 220114RL001
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 778742
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (https://www.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”, rampant colt, and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, the top of the slide is marked “P”. The left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof, the left side of the frame above the magazine release is marked with “W.B.” in box. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 778742” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate, is marked “778 / 742”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “P”, the right is marked “40”. The top of the frame is marked “G” and with a flaming bomb at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P” and the left of the barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” above the lug, the bottom of the barrel is marked “G” in front of the lugs.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, rounded blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown Coltwood plastic without reinforcement ribs on the inside but with reinforcing rings around the grip screws. There are mold number markings on the inside. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered small marks. There is a more notable nick at the top edge of the left panel. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable is an “idiot mark” under the slide stop and a cluster of nicks on the left-rear of the slide, including some in the serrations. There are five horizontal scratches in the frontstrap which may have been intentionally applied. The grip areas show handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is barely perceptible play between the slide and frame. 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: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine, marked “COLT / 45 AUTO.” on the floorplate. The magazine shows light operational wear, there is some minor surface oxidation and finish loss which looks like previous oxidation was scrubbed out. The 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. This example was produced by Colt in 1942 as the design saw some tweaks and changes. This pistol was made just after the switch to parkerized finishing but has a fairly early Coltwood grip style without reinforcement ribs. It has the earlier-style rounded front sight which would be replaced with a serrated, ramped rear face and a “U”-notch rear sight which would be replaced by square notches. The hammer has the original wide-spur which would soon be replaced by a spur of the same width as the body. The slide stop, thumb safety and mainspring housing are all checkered, each of which would eventually be serrated. In all, this is a great example of a mid-1942 production Colt M1911A1. It was produced when the slides were still serialized, so it’s nice for the collectors to know that the slide is original to the frame. The pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition, retaining about 92% of its metal finish, a good bore and strong mechanics. It will make a nice addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!