Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1951 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1390

LSB#: 220516RY002

Make: Colt

Model: Government Model, Commercial 1911

Serial Number: 242483-C

Year of Manufacture: 1950 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol (no magazine present)

Markings: The left of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT / MODEL”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a rampant Colt logo. The right of the slide is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked with the serial number. The left of the trigger guard has “Q” and a “VP” in triangle, the right has “95”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a serrated rear face staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the grip screws and  reinforcement ribs on their interiors. The interiors do not have any Keyes fiber or mold number markings. The left panel has a crack at the bottom which extends up to the bottom screw hole. The right panel also has a crack at the bottom edge, but it stops in the smooth portion at the bottom of the panel. Otherwise, the grips show minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as not original to the gun and would rate Fine but for the cracks.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The grip areas have minor handling wear. The trigger has wear consistent with a previously installed trigger shoe. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has light play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. Please note, no magazine is included with this pistol.

Our Assessment: The 1911 is one of the best pistols ever designed, seeing use in the US Military for the better part of a century and dominating pistol shooting sports for decades. This 1950 vintage commercial Government model is a great example of a post-war Commercial Government model. The pistol is in Very Good condition with light handling and operational wear, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. The Coltwood grips which would have originally been installed have been replaced, likely due to shrinkage, common for this material. This is a beautiful pistol, perfect to add to any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1951 C&R
Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1951 C&R