Colt M1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP 5” Semi-Auto Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,780.00
LSB#: LSB260627TM030
Make: Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
Model: M1911
Serial Number: 510641
Year of Manufacture: 1918 / C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Short-Recoil Operated Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings: The frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and with the serial number, “510641”. The barrel is marked “HS”, indicating manufacture by High Standard. Additional markings should be described from the pistol as present.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon blade dovetailed to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch sight dovetailed to the slide. The dovetailed front sight appears to be a later replacement or modification from the original M1911 configuration.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered brown polymer panels. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One detachable magazine is included unless otherwise noted.
Type of Finish: Arsenal Refinish
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. In the writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its arsenal-applied finish. The balance shows operational and handling wear. The grips are in Excellent condition. The slide rests approximately 1/8” forward of its expected position when assembled/in battery. The action otherwise functions correctly when operated by hand. Because of the abnormal slide position, a competent gunsmith should inspect the pistol before firing.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide sits approximately 1/8” forward of its proper resting position. A competent gunsmith should inspect this pistol before firing. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with requisition invoices and an NRA voucher dated 1961. These documents add an interesting layer to the pistol’s post-service history and its release through the government/NRA surplus-sales system.
Our Assessment: The Colt M1911 was adopted by the U.S. military in 1911 and became one of the defining American service pistols of the 20th century. Serial number 510641 was manufactured by Colt in 1918 during the enormous expansion of M1911 production for the First World War. This example subsequently underwent arsenal refurbishment, as evidenced by its later finish and “HS”-marked High Standard replacement barrel. Its accompanying 1961 requisition paperwork and NRA voucher are particularly interesting and provide documentation of the pistol’s later history.
Overall, this is an appealing 1918 Colt U.S. M1911 with substantial arsenal-refinished finish remaining, a strong bore, and unusual accompanying period paperwork. The later replacement components and arsenal work are consistent with a service pistol that remained in the government system long after its original manufacture. The abnormal forward position of the slide warrants attention, however, and the pistol should be inspected by a competent gunsmith before firing. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.