WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2550
LSB#: 210607DW10
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 806931
Year of Manufacture: 1942
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 “W.B.” in box. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 806931” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate, is marked “806 / 931”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “K”, the right is marked with an incomplete inspector’s mark. The top of the frame is marked “2” and “G” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “S” and “P” and the left of the barrel is marked “C3838-4 / D4” above the lug.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, rounded blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered “Coltwood” brown plastic with no reinforcement ribs on the interior. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered nicks and scuffs, most notable at the bottom of the left panel. There are light tool marks around the screw heads. The checkering is well defined. 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 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable a cluster of nicks on the top of the slide behind the ejection port. There are some spots of minor surface oxidation. The grip areas have handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good 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 “L” on the top of the floorplate. The magazine shows operational wear, some shallow dents on the right of the body, minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Good-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 1942, fairly early in wartime production. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining about 75% of its parkerized finish, a great bore in its Springfield replacement barrel, 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!