WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3626
LSB#: 221129ED010
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 846020
Year of Manufacture: 1942
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 846020” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, behind the grip is a crossed cannon Ordnance mark. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate, is marked “846 / 020”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “P”, the right is marked “60”. The top of the frame is marked “G” 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 is marked “G” behind the lug.
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 Keyes Fibre plastic panels with reinforcement ribs on the interior and with reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips show light handling wear with a few light nicks and scuffs. There are a couple of more notable marks at the bottom of the right panel. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is in handling wear in the grip areas and holster wear at the leading edges. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is an “idiot mark” below the slide stop. 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 condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is light 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 commercial magazine. The magazine’s floorplate is marked “COLT / 45 AUTO”.
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 a little after the switch to parkerized finishing. 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. The grips have been replaced and the magazine is a later vintage commercial mag, but in all, this is a nice example of a late-1942 production Colt M1911A1. It was produced when the slides were still serialized, so it’s nice to know that it still has its original slide, too! The pistol is in Very Good condition, showing wear consistent with issue and use, a great 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!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
