Colt Model 1911 .45 ACP 5″ Semi Auto Pistol 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,705.00
LSB#: LSB260514JG006
Make: Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company
Model: Model of 1911 U.S. Army
Serial Number: 346961
Year of Manufacture: 1918 / C&R. The serial number falls within Colt’s 1918 U.S. military production range. This pistol was subsequently arsenal refurbished at Rock Island Arsenal.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Recoil-Operated Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20.1897. SEPT.9.1902” over “DEC.19.1905. FEB.14.1911. AUG.19.1913”, followed by the Rampant Colt logo and “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. ARMY”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” . The right side of the frame bears “RIA” and “FK” arsenal refurbishment markings and “No 346961”. Additional small inspection and assembly markings are present on the frame and internal components.
Barrel Length: 5”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low-profile blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch sight dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece brown checkered synthetic panels. The panels show scattered handling marks, light scratches, and minor flattening to portions of the checkering. There are no obvious chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Six detachable .45 ACP magazines are included. The magazines exhibit varying amounts of operational and storage wear and rate in about Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Arsenal refurbished. The pistol was originally manufactured with a blued finish and was subsequently rebuilt and refinished at Rock Island Arsenal. The “RIA” and “FK” markings are associated with refurbishment performed under Frank Krack at Rock Island Arsenal.
Bore Condition: The bore is dull. The rifling is sharp. In the writer opinion the bore is 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its arsenal-applied finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate operational and handling wear. There is thinning and finish loss along the slide flats, leading edges, muzzle, frame rails, controls, trigger guard, and other high-contact surfaces. The metal also displays scattered scratches, scuffs, small nicks, and areas of finish loss consistent with military use following refurbishment. The screw heads show light tool use with serviceable slots. The pins show light marks. The markings remain legible, though some are softened beneath the arsenal-applied finish. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good condition as arsenal refurbished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide cycles, the hammer cocks, and the trigger releases the hammer properly. The thumb safety and grip safety function as intended. 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: Includes six detachable .45 ACP magazines and a Bianchi International UM84 Universal Military Holster. The holster shows scattered handling and storage wear and remains serviceable. No factory box or paperwork is included.
Our Assessment: This Colt Model 1911 was manufactured in 1918, during the final year of the First World War, as part of Colt’s substantial wartime production for the United States military. John Browning’s recoil-operated design had been formally adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911 and quickly established itself as a rugged, dependable service pistol. Chambered in .45 ACP and built around a single-action operating system, the M1911 remained the standard American military sidearm through two world wars and continued in service for decades afterward.
This example was later refurbished at Rock Island Arsenal, as indicated by the “RIA” and “FK” markings on the frame. The “FK” marking is associated with Frank Krack, who supervised small-arms inspection and rebuild work at Rock Island Arsenal. During an arsenal overhaul, pistols were disassembled, inspected, refinished, and rebuilt using serviceable components as necessary. Its Parkerized finish and rebuild markings are therefore part of its documented military service history rather than a commercial refinishing treatment.
With its desirable 1918 Colt production date, clear U.S. property markings, Rock Island Arsenal refurbishment, six magazines, and Bianchi UM84 military holster, this pistol represents multiple generations of American military sidearm history. It should appeal to collectors of World War I firearms, U.S. martial pistols, and authentic arsenal-rebuilt M1911s. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.