Colt M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 5” C&R MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,806.25
LSB#: LSB250731EK146
Make: Colt (Colt frame, Union Switch & Signal slide, High Standard barrel)
Model: M1911A1
Serial Number: 859641
Year of Manufacture: 1943 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short-Recoil Operated, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “U.S. 7 S. CO. / SWISSVALE, PA. U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 859641” and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY.” The trigger guard is marked “K” on the left, and “69” on the right. Below the slide stop it is marked “GHD”. Just below the magazine release is marked “P”. The barrel is marked “HS” & “P”. The magazine is marked “”R”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated, ramped rear face fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Coltwood plastic with strengthening ribs, mold numbers, and large reinforced rings around screw holes. The grips have fairly even light handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are very faint signs of tooling on the grip screws. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Du-Lite Slide, Parkerized Frame, Blued Barrel
Finish Originality: The frame and barrel finish are Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with sharp rifling. There is moderate erosion and oxidation. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The slide has a fairly strong finish throughout with a few scattered small marks and spots of oxidation near the rear of the slide. The frame shows light marks scattered throughout. There is a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very minor play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. 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 a single 7-round Ridson Mfg. Co. magazine.
Our Assessment: This example carries the rugged, service-ready silhouette of the classic M1911A1 but with an incorrect configuration of original components: a genuine Colt frame providing the familiar single-action ergonomics and solid beavertail geometry, paired with a Union Switch & Signal–marked slide and a High Standard barrel. The combined hardware reads like a working wartime piece — stout, purposeful, and built to be used. Controls and external lines are unmistakably 1911: thumb safety, grip safety, and a crisp service-length sight radius on the 5″ tube. The mixed-maker parts add provenance interest and tell a practical story on metal. This is a functioning artifact that reflects how American industry kept fighting pistols in service during a global conflict. Be sure to check our detailed pictures for a better understanding of the firearm. -C.R.
