WWI US Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1853
LSB#: 211017DR14
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 64763
Year of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
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” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, with a Rampant Colt logo at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. The right side of the frame is marked “NO 64763”. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with a circled “WGP” (Walter G. Penfield Maj., USA Colt M1911 .45 Pistols 1909-1914). The bottom of the barrel is marked with what appears to be a poorly-struck “X” in front of the link, the top of the chamber is marked “H” and “P”. The top rear face of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serif). The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “H”, “R” and with a small square, there is a small square in front of the feed-ramp.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The rear sight is a “U” notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips show moderate handling wear with several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks around the screw heads. The left panel has a small loss at the bottom-front. The checkering ranges from well defined to worn smooth. There are no cracks. The grips rate in Good condition.
The bottom-left grip screw is seized in its bushing, turning the screw turns the bushing in the frame instead of turning the screw in the bushing. The frame’s threads are strong. The bushing’s threads show wear, but the bushing is still secured to the frame when it is threaded in.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. Some small parts have been replaced, most notable the thumb and grip safeties.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is light-moderate erosion scattered throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 45% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is light surface oxidation scattered throughout, mostly small spots. The “United States Property” marking has been removed from the left of the dust cover and there are two notable grind marks on the right of the frame above and below the serial marking. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with tool marks at some pin heads. There is scattered finish wear, most notable in the grip areas. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The remaining markings are generally clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has light play to the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
The bottom-left grip screw is seized in its bushing, turning the screw turns the bushing in the frame instead of turning the screw in the bushing. The frame’s threads are strong. The bushing’s threads show wear, but the bushing is still secured to the frame when it is threaded in.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one blued 7-round magazine. The magazine has light operational wear, 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 Colt Model 1911 that was made in 1914, just after the outbreak of the Great War, but a few years before the United States would join. The pistol is in Good condition with 45% of its finish remaining. This is not surprising as the original commercial blue finish would be replaced in 1917 with a brushed military blue as the original finish was found not to be durable enough for military use. This is a pistol which has honest wear consistent with an issued sidearm which is more than a century old, and will make a nice addition to a 1911 specific collection. Please see our photos and good luck!