Colt Model 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 5″ C&R MFD 1912

SOLD FOR: $3,777.00

LSB#: WY250310TP028

Make: Colt

Model: Model of 1911 U.S. Army

Serial Number: 15282

Year of Manufacture: 1912 (C&R)

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”, followed by “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number “No. 15282”. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. The left side of the trigger guard has a Colt inspector’s proof. The right side of the frame has the circled Colt rampant horse logo just behind the slide stop. The barrel and other internal components bear additional Colt inspection marks.

Barrel Length: 5”

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with diamond patterns around the grip screws. The grip panels show minor handling marks and light wear on the high points of the checkering. There are no visible cracks or significant chips. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 7-round magazine in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished ( Steve Moeller )

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 97% of its current blued finish. There is light wear with some handling marks throughout. There is some minor surface oxidation visible in a few areas. The slide serrations are crisp, and the markings are clear and well-defined. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide-to-frame fit is tight. The trigger pull is crisp. 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: This pistol includes one 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment: This is an early production Colt Model 1911 U.S. Army, manufactured in 1912, making it one of the first military contract 1911 pistols ever produced. These early models featured a beautiful high-polish blued finish and fire-blued small parts, though this example has been refinished.

The Colt Model 1911 was adopted by the U.S. military as its standard-issue sidearm in 1911 and saw extensive service in both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. This example, with its early serial number and “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” marking, was likely issued before World War I, making it a historically significant piece.

For collectors of early Colt military handguns, this example represents a great opportunity to acquire a pre-WWI U.S. Army Model 1911. With its classic design and legendary performance, it remains a highly sought-after piece for both historical and shooting enthusiasts. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.