WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 220420JR022
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 465183
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 465183″. 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”, with a rampant colt and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. 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 an eagle’s head over “S5” inspection mark. The top of the frame is marked “G” behind the disconnector, “H” in front of the disconnector and “8” to the right of the feed-ramp. The left of the trigger guard is marked “54”. The top of the barrel’s chamber is marked with an “HP” monogram, the right link-lug is marked “C”, the bottom of the barrel is marked “5” in front of the link lugs.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have light-moderate handling wear. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined with some spots, mostly around the bottom edges, worn nearly smooth. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light-moderate erosion in the bore with some pitting in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 30% of its metal finish. Most exposed surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is strong blue under the grip panels and around raised features. There is some minor chemical erosion on the left of the slide. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and handling marks with an “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. 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 Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible 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 two-tone magazine with the top finished in the white. The magazinehas light operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, 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. The pistol shows wear consistent with its age and martial use, but retains strong mechanics and original finish. This is a neat example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to your collection and wouldn’t be the worst candidate for a restoration project. Please see our photos and good luck!