Colt Model 1911A1 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD 1938 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4,600.00

LSB#: W250201TM007

Make: Colt

Model: 1911A1

Serial Number: 712778

Year of Manufacture: 1938 (C&R Eligible)

Caliber: .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, Fed by 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” followed by the Rampant Colt logo and “COLT’S P.T.F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and “N° 712778.” The top of the frame is marked with a “G” and inspection markings.  The top of the slide is marked “P”.  The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO” and has a G proof marks. The right side of the frame is faintly marked “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY” under the slide stop notch.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol has checkered walnut grips. The grips show moderate wear with some smoothing from handling. There are minor dings and nicks, but no major cracks or structural issues. The grip screws show handling wear. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None

Type of Finish: Blued (Refinished)

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its current blued finish. The balance of the finish shows mild operational wear,. The grip safety and hammer show handling wear, and there are scattered small scratches and marks from use.  There is some light pitting visible under the current finish. The screw heads are serviceable with some tool marks. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a U.S. military-issued Colt Model 1911A1 pistol manufactured in 1938, making it a highly desirable early pre-World War II example. With a low number of pistols produced that year, 1938 production Colts are among the rarest military-issued 1911A1 variants.

This particular example has been refinished, likely as part of a military arsenal rebuild, which was a common practice to keep service weapons in operational condition. Despite the refinishing, the markings remain legible, and the original pre-war features are still present, making it an excellent example of a transitional-era military 1911A1.

For collectors of U.S. military sidearms, this is a scarce representation of a pre-WWII Colt 1911A1. It remains mechanically sound and would be a fantastic addition to any collection or as a functional piece of American history.-C.M.