Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army RIA .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2200
LSB#: 211017DR11
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 474511
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable 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”, with a rampant colt 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 right side of the frame is marked “NO 474511” and “RIA” (Rock Island Arsenal refurbish mark). The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and behind the trigger with an eagle’s head over “S.6”. The left link-lug is marked “P”, the right is marked “HS” (WWII era High Standard produced barrel). The top rear face of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serif), under the plate is marked “0”. The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “G” and “H”, the right rail is marked “8”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The rear sight is a “U” notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips show light handling wear, a little more notable on the right panel than the left. There are light tool marks around the screw heads and some scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Likely original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion, mostly in the grooves, with some more notable erosion in the top of the bore just in front of the chamber.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edgesThere are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, some through but most under the finish. There is an “idiot mark” under the slide stop. There is light handling wear in the grip areas. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as Arsenal Refurbished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has very little play to the frame. 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 total of two 7-round magazines. One magazine is parkerized, marked “R” on the top of the floorplate (Risdon). The other magazine is blued, marked “COLT / .45 AUTO.” on the bottom of the floorplate. The magazines show light operational wear, more notable on the blued magazine. The parkerized magazine has scattered surface erosion under the finish. Both magazines have intact feed lips and strong springs.
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. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of “the slide”, which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns. This is a Colt Model 1911 that was made during WWI in 1918. Since then, it has been to the Rock Island Arsenal for refurbishment, likely where it acquired its WWII-era barrel and maybe even its checkered walnut grips, though they were more commonly installed on National Match pistols. Much of the pistol’s new parkerized finish remains and the barrel has a shootable bore. This is a pistol which will make a nice addition to a 1911 or U.S. military sidearm collection. Please see our photos and good luck!