Early Post-War Colt Government Model 1911A1 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,255.00
LSB#: LSB251003DH005
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model 1911A1
Serial Number: C234558
Year of Manufacture: 1948 / C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” and the right side is marked “COLT / AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .45” and with the Rampant Horse Logo. The barrel is marked only with a “B” in front of the lug. The left side of the trigger guard bow is marked “T” and with Colt’s Verified Proof Mark. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked “27”. The right side of the receiver is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL / C234558”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short serrated ramp sight. The rear sight is a square notched flat topped sight that is dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth wood. There are no chips or cracks. There is faint handling wear. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is faint fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. A lot of original finish is retained, though there is finish thinning on the front and back straps, as well as the right side of the frame at the grip safety. There is finish loss to the edges of the slide, with only light holster wear towards the front. The markings are sharp. The screw heads range from sharp to faintly tool marked. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to fulfill your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One factory magazine is provided and is marked “COLT / 45 AUTO” in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: There are a lot of variations for Colt’s Government model, all important for collectors, and all representing a different period of production. This gun is a fairly early Post-War commercial gun, manufactured partly with unused USGI parts. This gun shows USGI surplus grips, which are more than likely original to the gun. Likewise, the thumb safety is a military left-over checkered safety while the slide stop is serrated and the hammer is also one seen on military guns. In 1949, shortly after this gun was made, the C prefix became a C suffix. This is an honest gun with honest wear. It was likely owned by a returning soldier who loved his sidearm so much during the war that he made a Government Model his favorite range gun. There is finish loss on this gun, but the parts are correct and there is still enough finish to appeal to collectors. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
