WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $6030

LSB#: 220209FH037

Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 260082

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 260082″. 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 with a rampant colt logo. The rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs) above the firing pin plate. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with “JMG” monogram. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of the disconnector, “D” to the right, and “G” behind. The top of the chamber is marked “P” and “H”, the bottom of the barrel is marked “5” in front of the link lugs.

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 left panel shows minor handling wear with a few light nicks in the diamonds. The right panel has a little more notable wear, mostly toward the bottom. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little bit of stubborn copper fouling.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is in light operational wear. There are a few scattered spots of minor surface oxidation. The grip areas show minor handling wear, most notable in the mainspring housing. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has 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 7-round magazine with lanyard loop floorplate. The magazine was two-tone at one time, it appears to have been blued, though the difference between the top and bottom portions can still be seen. The follower has some light erosion and what appears to be some sort of plating. The magazine shows light 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. 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. This is a U. S. Government marked Colt 1911 pistol made toward the end of WWI in 1918. This pistol’s metal finish is in absolutely outstanding condition with crisp, clear markings and light operational wear. This is a wonderful example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to even advanced collections. Please see our photos and good luck!

WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R