Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1917 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1753

LSB#: 210612TP23

Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: C93129

Year of Manufacture: 1917 (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 93129”. The frame is marked “S” at the disconnector. The left of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “y”.

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. There are some light tool marks around the screw heads, most notable at the top-right screw. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion in the bore, mostly in front of the chamber.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly the leading edges. There is handling wear and discoloration from oxidation in the grip areas. There are several scattered minor nicks and scratches, some under and some through the finish. There is scattered minor erosion under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp and the slide has very little 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 1917. The pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished, showing honest wear consistent with its age and having a pretty nice bore for a pistol made and used in the era of corrosive primers. All of the old 1911 Colts are collectable, and we are sure this isn’t going to be an exception. It’s also an example you could take out to the range instead of keeping it as a safe queen. Please see our pictures and good luck in your bidding!