Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1915 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1725

LSB#: 210211RB01

Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: C21346

Year of Manufacture: 1915 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable 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”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” and behind the serrations with a rampant colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 45”. The right side of the frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL / C 21346”. The frame is marked “S” and “e” at the disconnector. The left of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “R”.

Barrel Length: 5”

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, and have darkened with age and handling. There is a chip-loss at the bottom-front of the right panel. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is well defined. There is light erosion and minor pitting scattered throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are many scattered light nicks, scratches and scuffs. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and there is scattered finish loss which appears to be from surface oxidation which has been scrubbed out. There is scattered finish wear with strongest finish in the frame flats. The slide has scattered remaining finish, mostly on the top, in the scallops in front of the dust cover, and toward the rear of the flats. The pistol shows light-moderate operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp and the slide has minor play to the 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: This pistol comes with one two-tone 7-round magazine. The magazine has operational wear, scattered erosion, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Good condition.

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. This is a fairly early Colt Model 1911 Government Model made in 1915. The pistol still has its original finish and shows honest wear consistent with its age. The pistol is in about Good-plus condition, retaining about 65% of its metal finish, a bore which shows use with the corrosive primers of its era, and strong mechanics. All of the old 1911 Colts are collectable, and we are sure this isn’t going to be an exception. Please see our pictures and good luck in your bidding!