Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army Augusta .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2651
LSB#: 211017DR12
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 608861
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 608861″, the left is marked “AA” above the front of the trigger guard. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. 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 rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs) above the firing pin plate. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with an eagle’s head over “S11” inspector’s mark. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of the disconnector, and “G” behind. The left barrel link lug is marked “P”, the right “F” (Flannery Bolt Co.).
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “U”-notched rear sight dovetailed into the slide and a short rounded blade front sight fixed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs on their interior. The grips have minor handling wear. There are a few light tool marks around the screw heads and a more notable ding at the bottom edge of the right panel. Otherwise, the checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: This pistol was Arsenal Refurbished at Augusta Arsenal. This may be when the 1911A1-style mainspring housing, grips and barrel were installed.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling and there are some nicks on the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, including some under the finish. There is some scattered erosion under the finish, most notable under the grips. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition as refurbished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has very little play to the frame. We did not fire 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 (Ridson Mfg. Co.). The magazine has operational wear, some scattered light oxidation, a few spots of solid erosion, most notable on the front, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 U. S. Government marked Colt 1911 pistol originally made in 1919. The pistol was refurbished by Anniston Arsenal and this is likely where it received updated parts such as the 1911A1 mainspring housing, grips and barrel which are installed. The pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition as refurbished, retaining about 92% of its new finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This is a great example of a 1911 that has survived more than a century and is still ready to hit the range. Please see our photos and good luck!