Colt WWI Commemorative 1911 Pistol Set 45 ACP Matching Pistols C&R w/ Cases
Sold for $8390.39
Make: Colt
Model: WWI Commemorative Series 1911 Set, SH071: 2nd Battle of the Marine, SH072: Belleau Wood, SH073: Chateau Thierry, SH074: Meuse Argonne
Serial Number: 3430-CT, 3430-BW, 3430-M2, 3430-MA
Year of Manufacture: Chateau Thierry: 1967, Belleau Wood & Second Battle of the Marne: 1968, Meuse Argonne: 1969.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistols with Removable Magazines
Markings: All the markings are gold-filled. The right side of each of the slides is marked with a banner reading “1917 / WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIVE / 1967” and “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The chamber on each pistol is marked “COLT .45 AUTO” and also has a “VP” proof. The right side of each of the frames with the serial number. The underside of each slide is matched and marked “3431”.
The left side of the Chateau Thierry slide is engraved with a battle scene of a machine gun crew with a town in the background and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo.
The left side of the Second Battle of the Marne slide is engraved with a scene involving American soldiers firing at German soldiers across a river and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo.
The left side of the Belleau Wood slide is engraved with a battle scene in the woods and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo.
The left side of the Meuse Argonne slide is engraved with a scene of American soldiers attacking Germans barricaded behind pill boxes and at the rear with the Rampant Colt logo.
Barrel Length: Each barrel is 5.”
Sights / Optics: The pistols all have the same sight configuration. The front sight is a short blade with a ramped serrated rear face fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notched sight dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The left grip panel on each pistol has a medallion of an American eagle marked “1917*1918 / WORLD WAR”. The right grip panel on each is marked with a medallion of an American soldier, and marked “U.S.A. / THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION” and with the names of our allies. The left grip panel on each also has a metal plaque marked with the particular battle the pistol commemorates.
The Chateau Thierry grips are checkered double diamond select American Walnut. There are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The grips rate in about Excellent condition.
The Second Battle of the Marne grips are smooth French Holly. The right panel shows some light draglines at the top and some deeper compressions towards the bottom as well as a gash at the front of the right panel. The left panel is clean. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
The Belleau Wood grips are smooth wood, the left panel appears to be rosewood. The right panel is of a different wood. There is a notable scuff located on the right panel down at the bottom. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine condition as mismatching.
The Meuse Argonne grips are smooth Crotch Walnut. There are some light scuffs and compressions on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: All of the pistols have a Blued finish.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Each bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion.
Overall Condition: The Chateau Thierry pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some light storage marks throughout as well as a couple light nicks on the front strap. There is some light operational wear. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. The pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
The Second Battle of the Marne pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light handling marks. The grip safety, side safety, and slide stop have taken a plum hue. There is standard operational wear. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. The pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
The Belleau Wood pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are no significant imperfections on this pistol, only light handling marks. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. The pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
The Meuse Argonne pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The side safety and slide stop have taken a plum hue. There are a few scattered light handling marks. There is faint operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. The pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: Each action functions correctly. These pistols have manual and grip safeties. We have not fired these pistols. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are four 7-round magazines (one for each pistol) and four presentation cases. There is a crack in the glass of the Chateau Thierry case.
Our Assessment: It usually takes the dedicated collector a bit of time and patience to piece this series together, but they will not be serial matching like these. This is a great opportunity for the Colt fan and history buffs to pick up a nice complete set. This is an amazing tribute to the contribution America has made to keep the world free. Please see our pistols and good luck!