Colt Government Model 1911 .45 ACP 5″Semi-Auto Pistol C&R & Letter
SOLD FOR: $2,990.00
LSB#: WY250320TF106
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model 1911
Serial Number: C2897
Year of Manufacture: 1913, C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL / C2897”. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. SEPT. 9, 1902 / DEC. 19, 1905. FEB. 14, 1911. AUG. 19, 1913”, followed by “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” with a Rampant Colt in a circle at the rear. The rear of the slide under the firing pin plate is marked “S”. The inside of the frame is also marked “S”. The barrel lug is marked “T”. The pistol retains early high polish blue finish with the correct fire blued small parts.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a rounded u-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with large diamond patterns around the screws. The checkering is generally well defined, though there is minor handling wear, small dings, and flattening on the points. There are no cracks or chips. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 7-round in Good condition with some thinning to the finish.
Type of Finish: Blue with Fire Blue Small Parts
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly-bright, the rifling is sharp. There is light visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 55% of its original blue finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and finish loss throughout. The fire blued small parts show some fading and mottling. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has a snug fit to the frame and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes a Colt factory letter confirming its original shipment on April 23, 1913, in a shipment of 2 pistols to A. A. Chapman of Laredo, Texas.
Our Assessment: This is a very early and collectible Colt Government Model 1911, manufactured in 1913 within the first year of commercial production. With its four-digit serial number, high polish finish, and factory letter confirming shipment to Texas, this pistol holds serious appeal for Colt collectors and early 1911 enthusiasts.
The slide and frame markings, S and T inspector stamps, and original finish components all point to its authenticity and desirable early production characteristics. These first-generation Colts represent the finest craftsmanship from the factory’s pre-war era and are rapidly increasing in value.
Whether you’re a collector focused on U.S. martial arms, early Colt autos, or simply appreciate the history embedded in a classic .45, this is a historic and investment-worthy piece. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
