Colt M1911A1 WWII Reproduction .45 ACP 5” Semi-Automatic Pistol, 2001
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: LSB250731KE002
Make: Colt’s Manufacturing Company
Model: M1911A1 WWII Reproduction
Serial Number: WMK1425
Year of Manufacture: 2001 (WWII Reissue Series)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, 7-Round Removable Magazine, Series 70-Style Internals (No Firing Pin Safety)
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.” with the Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No WMK1425” and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY.” The left side of the frame bears the boxed “W.B.” ordnance inspector’s mark (Waldemar Broberg) and a “P” proof near the magazine release. The right front trigger guard bow bears Colt’s triangular “VP” Verified Proof with a small “P” inspection mark on the opposite side. The top of the slide is stamped “P” in front of the rear sight. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO” with parentheses at each end, and the magazine baseplate is stamped “COLT .45 AUTO” with the Rampant Colt logo.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are brown checkered plastic with large reinforcing rings around the screws, replicating the late-WWII Colt pattern. They are sharp and clean, showing virtually no wear. Overall Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains nearly all of its factory parkerized finish with only faint handling and storage marks. The matte finish remains even and smooth, the edges crisp, and all legends and proof marks deep and legible. The pistol appears to have been test-fired at the factory only and stored carefully since manufacture. Overall, it rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly with a tight slide-to-frame fit, crisp trigger, and positive manual safety engagement. This pistol duplicates the WWII configuration and uses Series 70-style internals without a firing-pin safety. 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: Included is the original Colt kraft-style box serialized to the pistol, brown wax wrapping paper, red Colt warning hang tag, Colt WWII Reproduction instruction manual (copyright 2001), and associated factory paperwork.
Our Assessment:
In 2001, Colt honored the historic M1911A1 by producing 4,000 limited-edition WWII Reproduction pistols. These pistols faithfully replicate the wartime U.S. service sidearm, complete with “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” rollmarks, W.B. (Waldemar Broberg) ordnance inspection stamp, and Colt’s “VP” Verified Proof. Even the packaging—a kraft box with wax paper and period-style hang tags—was reproduced to capture the wartime issue experience.
The .45 ACP cartridge, introduced with John Browning’s M1911 design, earned its reputation for reliability and stopping power through both World Wars and beyond. Its enduring service history is inseparable from the Colt name and the M1911 platform.
This example, serial number WMK1425, remains beautifully preserved with its original box, paperwork, and accessories. A historically faithful and mechanically correct tribute to America’s greatest service pistol, it stands as a testament to Colt’s legacy of precision and authenticity.
We are no longer offering layaway. KF
