Engraved Colt Model 1911-A1 .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,212.99
LSB#: 240516TB001
Make: Colt, Engraved by J.A. Klampfer
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 739799
Year of Manufacture: 1941 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, serrated blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece custom mother of pearl with rampant colts and decorative motif. There are some areas of discoloration. There are some chips, most notable on the left panel at the top and bottom edges. There are some little splits and cracks. There are light handling marks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished at Time of Engraving
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few spots of minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. Under grip on left side of frame, just beneath top bushing, is “Engraving by / j.a. klampfer 1965”. There are some areas of dark discoloration from previous oxidation on the sides of the hammer. There is finish wear on some of the edges. There are a few scattered scuffs and minor scratches. There is some oxidation above the firing pin stop. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is light play between the slide and frame. 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 7-round magazine.
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. Since their introduction, the 1911 has seen a number of design changes, most minor, but the 1911-A1 introduced the arched mainspring housing, shorter trigger, and relief cuts behind the trigger on the frame. In addition to these inter-war changes, Colt began finishing the guns by parkerizing them, a more durable finish than the original bluing.
This example was produced by Colt in 1941 for the military and has since been customized by a previous owner. The pistol has been engraved with scroll and border engravings with stippling in most of the negative space. The grips have been replaced with mother of pearl and some of th parts have been accented gold. This is a nice 1911 that will make a nice addition to a collection of engraved guns. Please see our photos and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
