Colt Pre-WWI Model Of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,225.00

LSB#: LSB260407BG001

Make: Colt

Model: Model of 1911

Serial Number: 60564

Year of Manufacture: 1914 C&R / (Colt Serial Lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Magazine Quantity & Condition:  1x 7-round magazine. The magazine shows operational use. There is some finish loss and patina forming. There are minor spots or corrosion. There are small dings in the baseplate. The lanyard loop shows minor finish loss. Overall, the magazines rate in Very Good condition.

Barrel Length:  5″ 

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a thin 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″ / 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 rear of the slide above the firing pin is marked with a vertical “H”. The left side of the frame is marked with “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and the vertical “WGP” inspection stamp. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The interior of the frame is marked with an “H” and “5”. The barrel hood is marked with a vertical “P” and “H”. The right side of the near the barrel link is marked with a “G”.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The refinished grips are a two piece checkered walnut, with smooth diamonds. The checkering remains mostly defined, yet has smoothed. There are handling marks and compression dents. There are areas of heavier wear and peak loss on each panel. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is erosion pitting within the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 78% of its finish. There is thinning throughout the surfaces. There are handling scratches, scuffs, and nicks on the frame and slide. There are areas of corrosion freckling and staining. The remaining blue is beginning to patina. The screws are sharp with light tooling. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good-Fine 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:  1x 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment:  This 1914 Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army pistol is a desirable early C&R example of one of the most important American military sidearms ever produced. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911 after extensive trials, John Browning’s locked-breech .45 ACP design went on to serve through both World Wars and became the foundation for more than a century of military, law-enforcement, competition, and civilian pistol development. This pistol predates America’s entry into World War I and retains classic early features including the “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY” slide marking, “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” frame marking, early-style sights, lanyard-loop magazine, and “WGP” inspection stamp, associated with Major Walter G. Penfield’s ordnance inspection period.

This pistol rates in about Very Good-Fine overall condition, retaining approximately 78% of its original blue finish with thinning, handling scratches, scuffs, nicks, corrosion freckling, staining, and patina beginning to form in the remaining blue. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, though erosion pitting is present, rating about 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. The refinished walnut double-diamond grips rate Very Good-Fine, showing handling marks, compression dents, smoothed checkering, and heavier wear in spots, but no cracks or chips. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the safeties operate properly. The included 7-round lanyard-loop magazine rates Very Good with operational wear, finish loss, patina, minor corrosion, and small baseplate dings. As an early U.S. Army Colt Model 1911 with original finish, clear markings, C&R status, and strong pre-WWI martial appeal, this pistol should interest Colt collectors, U.S. military arms enthusiasts, and serious 1911 collectors. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY