Colt Model of 1911A1 U.S. Army .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,126.00
LSB#: LSB260511ML004
Make: Colt
Model: M1911A1
Serial Number: 2281625
Year of Manufacture: 1945 / C&R (Colt Serial Lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Auto Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 3x 7-round magazines. The two blued magazines have corrosion staining throughout. Overall, the magazines rate in Very Good operational condition.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short serrated metal blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a flat-top square notch dovetailed to the slide.
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”, Rampant Colt logo, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO.” / “HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”. The top of the slide is marked with a “P”. The left side of the frame is marked with the “GHD” inspector mark, “P”, and a Verified Proof. The right side of the frame is marked with the crossed-cannon final acceptance mark. “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” / “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY” / “No 2281625”. The left side of the barrel feet is marked with “P”, the right side is marked with a “C” in a box, and in front is marked with a “D”. The blued magazines are marked with General Shaver Division “G” on top of their feet. The stainless magazine is marked with a Rampant Colt, “COLT” / “45 AUTO” and “M”.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered panels. The left panel is a Coltwood grip with large reinforcing rings and interior ribs. The right panel is a Keyes Fibre with small reinforcing rings and interior ribs. There are minor handling marks and compression dents. The checkering remains defined. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with defined rifling. There is fouling present. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its original finish. There are scattered scratches and compression marks across the metal surfaces. There is finish loss at the muzzle, along the frame, and the front and back straps, as well as the leading edges. There are takedown scratches. There is scattered corrosion staining and freckling throughout, with the heaviest being at the muzzle. The barrel and action show operational wear. The screws are sharp with light tooling, as well as some oxidation. The markings are mostly clear. There is a lanyard loop attached to the base of the frame with braided paracord. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safeties function properly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: 3x 7-round magazines.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1911A1 was the principal American service pistol of World War II, evolving from John Browning’s original Model 1911 through changes intended to improve handling and production. Colt was one of several manufacturers supplying pistols under wartime contracts, with its 1945 production representing the closing period of World War II manufacture. These late-war pistols typically featured a Parkerized finish, simplified fixed sights, arched mainspring housing, short trigger, and molded synthetic stocks. The GHD inspection stamp identifies acceptance under Brigadier General Guy H. Drewry, while the crossed-cannon Ordnance mark signifies final government acceptance. Pistols retaining their military frame, slide, inspection marks, and properly marked wartime components remain desirable artifacts of American wartime production, even when smaller interchangeable parts were replaced during service or subsequent ownership.
This 1945 Colt M1911A1 retains approximately 85% of its original Parkerized finish, with scattered handling wear, takedown marks, edge loss, oxidation, and heavier corrosion staining around the muzzle. The bright 9/10 bore retains defined rifling with some fouling, and the action and manual and grip safeties function correctly. The mismatched Coltwood and Keyes Fibre grip panels remain in Fine condition, while the three included seven-round magazines provide useful accessories despite corrosion staining on the two General Shaver examples. Its clear martial markings, wartime Colt manufacture, strong bore, and sound mechanics make this an appealing representative of the final year of World War II M1911A1 production. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY