WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2901
LSB#: 220906PG136
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 256614
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 256614″. 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, “V” to the right, and “G” behind. The barrel has no legible markings but there appears to be a poorly struck “X” or “K” on the bottom 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 grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scratches. There is some wear at the bottom of the right panel. There are tool marks around the bottom-left screw. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel appears to be a replacement.
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches including an “idiot mark” on the left of the frame and left slide flat from the slide stop during reassembly. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, including under the grips. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has light 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. The magazine shows operational wear with 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. This pistol’s metal finish is in good condition with crisp, clear markings and fairly light wear for an issued military sidearm. The barrel appears to be a replacement with the top of the chamber polished bright but otherwise, this is a nice example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
