Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army Augusta Arsenal .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1918
SOLD FOR: $2027
LSB#: 210419MB24
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 222966
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “No 222966”, the left is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the dust cover and “AA” above the front of the slide stop. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20,1897 / SEPT.9,1902. DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911.”, and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” with a rampant colt behind the slide serrations (markings are consistent with 1913 production). The rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs) above the firing pin plate. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with an inspector’s mark. It is faint, but appears to be “GHS” in circle. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of the disconnector, and “G” behind. The barrel’s left link lug is marked “P”, the right “HS” (WWII production).
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a square-notched rear sight dovetailed into the slide and a short rounded blade front sight fixed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The reinforcement rings are larger on the left panel than the right, and the right panel’s interior is marked “5564062”, indicating post-war production. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered compressed checkers in the right panel and light tool marks in the reinforcement rings. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with only a few scattered minor marks through the finish. Most of the balance is in light operational wear. There are some scattered nicks under the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the rampant colt is incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as Arsenal Refurbished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has nominal play to the frame. We did not fire 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 magazine, blued in the bottom portion and in the white toward the top. The body comes down flush with the bottom of the plate. The magazine shows scattered wear and minor surface oxidation, with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition. Also included is a two-piece cardboard box. Glued/taped to the top of the lid is a DD Form 1348-1A, listing this pistol by serial number being shipped from Anniston Army Depot and has red date-stamp “FEB-1 1966”. The box shows storage wear and wear from its contents, most notable in the gray portion, with a crushed corner and a few punctures and minor tears. The DD 1348 shows discoloration consistent with its age. Overall, the box is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. This is a U. S. Government marked Colt 1911 pistol with a frame made toward the end of WWI in 1918 and a slide made in 1913, before the outbreak of the Great War. The pistol was refurbished by Anniston Arsenal and appears to have stayed in inventory until 1966 based on the DD Form 1348-1A which is on the lid of its included box. The pistol is in about Fine condition as refurbished, retaining about 97% of its new parkerized finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. The pistol has several WWI production features with the most notable features of its refurbishment being the new finish, WWII-era barrel and rear sight, and its plastic grips. This is a great example of a 1911 that was in inventory for every major conflict while the model was standard issue, from WWI to the Vietnam War. It should make a nice addition for the 1911 collector and should still make for a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!