WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3434
LSB#: 210312DW04
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 918861
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902 / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913”, rampant colt, and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, the top of the slide is marked “P”. The left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof, the left side of the frame above the magazine release is marked with “G.H.D.”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 918861” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, the rear has a faint Ordnance wheel marking. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate, is marked “918 / 861”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “T”, the right is marked “99”. The top of the frame is marked “M” and “G” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P” and the left of the barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” above the lug.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated ramp fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement ribs on the inside and reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have minor handling wear. The only notable marks are two crisp, horizontal scratches on the left panel which start just forward of center and go back to the rear edge. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable at leading corners. Most of the balance is light handling wear in the grip areas and operational wear. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The screw heads have some finish loss but retain sharp slots. The markings are generally clear, the ordnance wheel is incomplete (common), and some markings have remnants of a previously applied paint-fill. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very light play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. 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 7-round magazine marked “R” on the top of the floorplate. The magazine shows minor operational wear, some minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition.
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. This example was produced by Colt in 1943. The pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition, retaining about 90% of its parkerized finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This pistol was produced before Colt stopped serializing its slides, so it is nice to know that the slide is original to the frame, with a matching serial number. It will make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!