Colt US Army Model of 1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol & Holster, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1725
LSB#: 210515MW38
Make: Colt
Model: US Army Model 1911A1
Serial Number: 1165525
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi Auto Pistol, Detachable 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”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” and with a rampant horse in the center. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / NO 1165525 / M1911A1 U.S. ARMY”. The barrel is marked through the ejection port “COLT 45 AUTO”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp fixed at the muzzle. The rear sight is a square notch sight set into a dovetail.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are fully checkered brown plastic. There is handling wear and surface markings, but the checkering remains pronounced. There are a few dings to the checkering, but no chips or cracks. The grips are tight to the frame and rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished (Arsenal “Style”)
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore and only very light wear.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The gun has been commercially refinished in an arsenal style. There is very little wear to this newer finish, though it was placed over some imperfect metal, with some erosion beneath. The edges are rounded and the markings are light from the metal prep. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One “R” marked G. I. magazine in 75% condition is included along with a rigger modified shoulder holster that is aged and worn but still functional.
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 is a 1911-A1 pistol made by Colt in 1943 during WWII. The pistol is neither parts nor finish original, but it is a solid and shootable example of America’s greatest gun. It has a nice bore and strong mechanics, so it should also prove to be a good shooter.
For the Colt Shooter or WWII firearms collector / reenactor, this is a wonderful find.
Please see our photos and good luck!