Colt Model 1911 U.S. Army Pistol 45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol C&R MFD 1917

SOLD FOR: $1,780.00

LSB#: 241110DH009

Make: Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company

Model: Model of 1911 U.S. Army

Serial Number: 152684

Year of Manufacture: 1917   Shipped to Fort Ethan Allen May 25

Caliber: .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single-Action, Fed by a 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” and “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY.” The left side of the frame, above the magazine release, is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY.” The serial number “No 152684” is stamped on the right side of the frame, above the trigger guard. The barrel hood is marked appropriately as per military specifications.  The front strap is marked “2FAD”.  The top of the frame is marked “G  H  T “.  The side of the frame is marked with a Major Gilbert H. Stewart Stamp.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition:
The pistol is equipped with double-diamond checkered walnut grips. The wood shows wear consistent with service use, including handling marks and light smoothing of the checkering in high-contact areas.  The lanyard loop is missing. There are no visible cracks or structural issues, and the grips remain secure. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 7-round .45 ACP magazine is included.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and edge wear, with patches of finish loss primarily on the slide and frame. There is light freckling of surface oxidation in some areas, as well as scattered handling and operational marks. The screw heads are lightly tool-marked but remain serviceable. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good to Very Good condition for its age.

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: None

Our Assessment:  This Colt Model 1911 U.S. Army pistol is a classic piece of American military history, manufactured during World War I and issued to U.S. forces.  This pistol was ship to Fort Ethan Allen on May 25th 1917.  Its design by John Moses Browning remains iconic and influential, with the 1911 serving as the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. military for over seven decades.

With its original markings, including “UNITED STATES PROPERTY,” this pistol is a prime example of early military contracts that armed American forces during a time of rapid technological advancements in warfare. Despite its age, the pistol retains functional mechanics and a semi-bright bore, making it an excellent addition to any collection.

Whether you’re a collector of military firearms, a historian, or simply an admirer of timeless designs, this 1911 represents a significant and valuable piece of firearm history. Please see our High Quality photos and Good luck with your bid!-C.M.