WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,803.00
LSB#: LSB260225FB008
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 226826
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)
Barrel Length: 5?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade staked to the front of the slide, the blade has been painted white. 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 some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. 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: Refinished. We believe the barrel is replaced, it has no markings on the chamber hood or link lugs with “C” and “P” on the bottom in front of the link.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light finish wear, most notable on the top of the slide and in the grip areas. There is scattered light erosion, minor pitting, and polish marks under the finish. There are some nicks and scratches, most under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the rampant colt on the slide is incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in Good-plus condition as refinished.
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 Shaffer & Rossum J.P.C. inspected M1916 holster. The flap is stamped “F” or “P” above “143”, likely a unit marking.
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 is in Good-plus condition as refinished, showing wear consistent with its age and service. This is a neat example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to your collection, especially with the included S&R M1916 holster. With its decent bore and strong mechanics, it may also prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud