WWI US Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB260618MR085
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 240884
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5″, chamber hood marked “P” and “H”, sans-serif, vertical.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The rear sight is a flat-top “U” notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips show even minor handling wear with a few scattered light marks. There are some spots of stubborn residue in the well defined checkering. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion and minor pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The balance is primarily handling wear in the grip areas, going to a light patina. There is some scattered light surface oxidation. There are some light nicks, scuffs and a few scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fair-Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: During our function check, the hammer had a tendency to fall to the safety notch when the trigger was pulled. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has minor play to the frame. 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 two-tone 7-round magazine, a USN-marked 1943-dated Boyt M3 shoulder holster (for S&W M&P/Victory revolver, NOT for this pistol) and a 1918-dated M1909 holster (for M1917 revolver, NOT for this pistol).
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 Colt Model 1911 that was made during WWI in 1918. The pistol has quite a lot of its original finish remaining with properly marked barrel, a decent bore and attractive grips. During our function check, we found that the hammer has a tendency to fall to the safety notch when the trigger is pressed. Once that has been addressed, this will make a very nice addition to a WWI small arms or 1911 specific collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud