Commercial Colt Gov’t Model 1911 .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,155.00
LSB#: LSB260625TP002
Make: Colt / Re-Imported by Borderview International
Model: Government Model
Serial Number: C12206
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. The lanyard loop shows minor finish loss. Overall, the magazine rates in Fine condition.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a thin metal blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a round-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” / “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO.” / “HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.” and a Rampant Colt at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC” / “CALIBRE 45”. There is a “VP” on the front left trigger bow, and an “R” on the rear. The right side of the frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL” and the serial number. The rim of the magwell is marked with an import mark “BV LYNDEN WA”.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are a two-piece checkered walnut, with smooth diamonds. The checkering remains mostly defined, with some smoothed peaks. There are areas of peak loss on each panel. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is erosion and pitting within the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its finish. There are handling scratches, scuffs, and nicks throughout. There is a takedown mark. There is finish loss at the muzzle end of the slide, and the front and back strap. There are spots of corrosion along the frame and slide. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but serviceable. 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: 1x 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Colt Government Model is the commercial counterpart to the U.S. military Model 1911 and represents one of the most important semi-automatic pistol designs of the 20th century. Designed by John Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, the pistol’s short-recoil operation, single-action trigger, grip safety, manual thumb safety, detachable magazine feed, and .45 ACP chambering established a pattern that remains influential more than a century later. Early commercial Government Models are especially desirable to Colt collectors because they combine the same fundamental design as the military M1911 with commercial markings, Colt factory polish and blue finish, and “C” prefix serial numbering. This example was manufactured in 1914, placing it in the early pre-WWI commercial production period. Its patent-date slide marking, including the August 19, 1913 patent date, “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 45” slide legend, “GOVERNMENT MODEL” frame marking, checkered walnut double-diamond grips, lanyard-loop magazine, and clear Colt markings all contribute to its strong early commercial 1911 appeal. The Borderview International re-import mark should be noted as part of its later history, but this remains a desirable early Colt Government Model with significant collector interest.
This 1914 Colt Government Model is a C&R-eligible commercial .45 ACP single-action semi-automatic pistol with a 5” barrel, blued finish, fixed sights, checkered walnut double-diamond grips, and one 7-round lanyard-loop magazine. The pistol retains about 90% of its finish with handling scratches, scuffs, nicks, a takedown mark, finish loss at the muzzle end of the slide and on the frontstrap and backstrap, scattered corrosion spots on the frame and slide, operational wear, and tooled but serviceable screw heads. The grips rate in Fine condition with mostly defined checkering, some smoothed peaks, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, but shows erosion and pitting, rating about 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action and safeties function correctly, and the included magazine rates in Fine condition with operational wear, some finish loss, and minor finish loss on the lanyard loop. This pistol should appeal strongly to Colt collectors, early Government Model enthusiasts, C&R handgun buyers, and 1911 collectors looking for a pre-WWI commercial Colt with clear markings and a strong amount of remaining finish. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY