Colt 1911 Meuse-Argonne Commemorative .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,255.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW061
Make: Colt
Model: M1911
Serial Number: 2885-MA
Year of Manufacture: 1969 C&R (Colt Dates of Manufacture by R.L. Wilson)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 7-round magazine. The magazine shows mild operational use. Overall, the magazine rates in Excellent condition.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short serrated metal blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the slide.
Markings: The left side of the slide is engraved and gold filled with a battle scene and the Rampant Colt at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide is engraved and gold filled with “1917 WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIVE 1967” inside a ribbon, and “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The medallion on the left grip panel is a bronze American eagle, “1917-1918”, “WORLD WAR”, and a small plaque under with “MEUSE ARGONNE”. The right side medallion is bronze with a lone soldier, “U.S.A”, “THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION” in a ribbon at the bottom, with names of countries around the soldier.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece high-polished walnut with bronze medallions. There are little to no handling marks. There is a minor compression mark on the right panel. There are no cracks or chips. There is a small lanyard loop attached to the butt. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is minor fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its finish. There is little to no handling wear. The barrel and barrel hood show operational use. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: 1x 7-round magazine, wooden display box.
Our Assessment: The Colt Meuse-Argonne Commemorative was part of Colt’s late 1960s series of World War I tribute pistols honoring the American experience in “The Great War.” Built on the classic Government Model 1911 platform, these commemoratives celebrated some of the most significant campaigns and milestones associated with the U.S. Army’s involvement in World War I, with the Meuse-Argonne Offensive representing the largest American military operation of the conflict. Fought between September and November 1918, the Meuse-Argonne campaign became one of the defining offensives of the war for the American Expeditionary Forces and cemented the reputation of the M1911 pistol in combat service. Chambered in .45 ACP, the cartridge developed alongside John Moses Browning’s legendary sidearm, the pistol reflects both the martial heritage and enduring cultural significance of the Government Model platform.
This 1969-produced commemorative remains in excellent condition and presents with striking visual appeal through its gold-filled engraving, battle scene motifs, and distinctive bronze grip medallions commemorating World War I service. The polished walnut grips complement the richly blued finish, while the commemorative inscriptions and military-themed embellishments distinguish the pistol from standard commercial Government Models of the era. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, and the pistol shows very limited handling wear beyond light operational evidence at the barrel hood. Colt’s postwar commemorative series developed a strong following among collectors for their craftsmanship and historical themes, and the Meuse-Argonne variant remains one of the more evocative examples tied directly to America’s First World War history. This pistol captures both the elegance of Colt commercial production and the enduring legacy of the M1911 in U.S. military service. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY