Clint Smith NRA Springfield Armory Model 1911 .45 ACP 5″ Pistol 1914 C&R

SOLD FOR: $6,375.00

LSB#: LSB260703CS003

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: U.S. Model of 1911 NRA Sales Pistol

Serial Number: 117496

Year of Manufacture: 1914 / C&R. 

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single-Action, Recoil-Operated Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazines.

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR. 20. 1897” / “SEPT. 9. 1902. DEC. 19. 1905. FEB. 14. 1911” / “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO.” and “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY” / “U.S.A.” The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY.” The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. The left side of the frame is marked “No 117496” over “N.R.A.” An eagle inspection mark is present above the serial number, and an additional Springfield eagle inspection mark is present on the left side of the frame near the magazine release. The Springfield-manufactured small parts are marked “S”, including the slide stop, thumb safety, magazine release, grip safety, hammer, disconnector, trigger, barrel, and barrel bushing. The firing pin stop, extractor, mainspring housing, and sear are not marked S, but this is common for later models.

Barrel Length: 5″. Correct “S” mark on barrel above face of chamber and “P” on the side of the lug.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed rounded blade staked to the slide. The rear sight is a fixed square-notch sight dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut double-diamond stocks. The visible grip shows handling wear, compressed checkering, scratches, and finish loss. There are no visible chips or cracks in the provided photographs. The grips rate in about Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One detachable box magazine. The magazine’s manufacturer, markings, capacity, and condition were not shown in the provided photographs.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dull. The rifling is mostly sharp. There is fouling throughout the bore. In the writers opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate operational and handling wear. There is finish thinning and loss along the slide flats, forward slide, muzzle, high edges, trigger guard, and controls. The slide displays scattered scratches, scuffs, oxidation, light surface erosion, and areas of freckling. The forward portion and upper edges of the slide show more substantial finish loss with mottled gray patina and scattered oxidation. There are scratches and handling marks on the frame, with edge wear around the trigger guard and controls. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The visible pin is lightly marked. The markings remain generally clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: One detachable magazine and a letter from Clint Smith concerning this Springfield Armory Model 1911. No box is included.

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model of 1911 represents one of the scarcer and most historically compelling variations of America’s classic military sidearm. The United States government’s Springfield Armory manufactured Model 1911 pistols under license from Colt before World War I, with total production substantially lower than Colt’s output. Springfield examples are distinguished by their distinctive slide legends, eagle inspection marks, and numerous Springfield-manufactured components marked with an “S.”

Of particular significance is the “N.R.A.” marking beneath the serial number, identifying this pistol as one of the Model 1911 pistols released through the pre-World War I National Rifle Association sales program. These pistols were offered in very limited numbers to qualified NRA members and affiliated-club members, making surviving examples especially desirable to advanced U.S. martial-pistol collectors.

This 1914-production example retains its Springfield-marked slide, U.S. property-marked frame, visible inspection marks, scarce NRA sales marking, and numerous “S”-marked Springfield components. The finish is original and the parts, including the barrel are correct. The extractor and mainspring housing are possible replacements, but overall this is a Correct NRA Sales Pistol. The included Clint Smith letter provides an additional element of provenance and collector interest, enhancing the historical presentation of this already uncommon Springfield Armory pistol. This would make a notable addition to an advanced U.S. martial pistol, Springfield Armory, early M1911, NRA-sales pistol, or Clint Smith collection. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -C.M.