Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2504
LSB#: 230612EA060
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model 1911-A1
Serial Number: C184425
Year of Manufacture: 1937 (https://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 “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. SEPT. 9, 1902. DEC. 19, 1905. FEB. 14, 1911. AUG. 19, 1913.”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .45” followed by a Rampant Colt. The right side of the frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL / C184425”. The top of the frame is marked “S” at the disconnector. The slide is matched and marked 184 / 425″ under the firing pin plate and there are poorly struck inspection marks on the bottom of hte slide. The left of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “P”, the right is marked “80 ”. The replacement High Standard barrel is marked “P” on the left of the lug and “HS” on the right. The right side of the slide and the frame are both marked with a small British proof.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. There are a few scattered light marks on the wood. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. The High Standard barrel is not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is some stubborn fouling in the grooves. In my opinion, this bore is a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is finish wear on the edges. There are nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout the pistol. There are some scattered areas of thinning, some have discolored. There are some areas of light patina. There are areas of handling wear and there are areas of operational wear. There is a takedown mark on the frame. The screw heads are lightly tool marked but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Included is a single magazine. The magazine is part blued and part “in the white”. The left feedlip is cracked. The spring is strong.
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. Having secured a contract for the US Military sidearm, Colt also offered the pistol to the commercial market as the “Government Model”. This is a Colt commercial Government Model made in 1937. It has some wear but the bore in its new High Standard barrel is sweet. All of the old 1911 Colts are collectible, and we are sure this isn’t going to be an exception. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
