Colt M1911 US Navy .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 5” C&R MFD 1912
SOLD FOR: $8,275.00
LSB#: WY250310TP037
Make: Colt
Model: M1911 U.S. Navy
Serial Number: 1641
Year of Manufacture: 1912, C&R Eligible
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”, followed by “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and with the serial number “No. 1641” on the dust cover. The frame has inspector’s markings appropriate to the era.
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 double-diamond walnut panels. The grips show moderate handling wear, including some smoothing of the checkering and small nicks. The grips rate in about good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 7-round blued magazine in good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is sharp. There is moderate visible erosion in the bore and there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and handling wear, most notably along the slide and frame edges. There are scattered small nicks and areas of patina. Some markings have softened due to handling but remain legible. The screw heads are serviceable with light tooling wear. Overall, this pistol rates in about 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: One 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: This is a historically significant Colt M1911, manufactured in 1912 as part of a U.S. Navy contract. The “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY” marking on the slide makes this a particularly desirable variation, as most M1911s of this era were marked for the U.S. Army. These Navy-marked pistols saw service aboard U.S. naval vessels and in Marine Corps hands during conflicts including World War I.
The Colt M1911 is one of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century, serving as the standard U.S. military sidearm for decades. Designed by John Moses Browning, the M1911 gained a reputation for its durability, reliability, and stopping power. This example retains much of its original blued finish, has a solid bore, and remains mechanically sound—making it a great candidate for a historical collection or as a centerpiece of a U.S. military sidearm display.
For collectors of military handguns, particularly those with an interest in early M1911 production, this U.S. Navy-marked pistol represents a rare and valuable piece of American military history. With its original finish, strong bore, and historical significance, this is an excellent acquisition for any serious collector. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.C.M.
