Colt 1911A1 U.S. Army .45 ACP Lend Lease Semi-Auto Pistol C&R MFD 1943
SOLD FOR: $3,550.00
LSB#: WY250310TP023
Make: Colt
Model: 1911A1 U.S. Army
Serial Number: 873491
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (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 / AUG. 19, 1913” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” with the rampant Colt logo behind the serrations. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” over “No 873491” and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY.” The serial number is marked under the firing pin plate. The barrel is marked with inspector and proof marks.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a u-notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered brown plastic with reinforcement ribs on the interior. The grips show handling wear with some flattening of the checkering and minor nicks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 7-round .45 ACP magazine in Good condition,
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is light visible erosion in the bore and there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and holster wear, with areas of thinning, edge wear, and some scattered small marks. The screw heads are lightly tooled but remain serviceable. The markings are sharp. 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: This pistol includes one 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Colt M1911A1 is one of the most iconic handguns in history, serving as the standard sidearm for the U.S. military from 1926 through the end of World War II and beyond. This particular example, manufactured in 1943, is a true wartime production pistol, seeing service in the U.S. Army. It bears the correct U.S. Property and military acceptance markings, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of military firearms.
Designed for reliability and stopping power, the M1911A1 features an improved trigger, arched mainspring housing, and cutouts behind the trigger guard for better ergonomics. The Parkerized finish was standard for military issue pistols of the era, providing durability in harsh battlefield conditions. This example has seen some honest use but retains strong mechanics and a bright bore, making it a fine addition to any historical firearms collection.
Whether you’re a collector, historian, or shooter, this M1911A1 U.S. Army pistol is a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of American military history. These wartime Colts are getting harder to find in this condition, making this a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck with your bids.-C.M.
