Custom Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1916 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1151
LSB#: 210614BB06
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 133958
Year of Manufacture: 1916
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” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, with a Rampant Colt logo at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. ARMY”. The right side of the frame is marked “NO 133958”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. The left barrel lug is marked “5”, the bottom of the barrel in front of the lugs is marked “N”, the rear face of the chamber hood is marked “S”. The top rear face of the slide is marked “S”. The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “U”, “H” and “S”, and the right rail is marked with a small square box. The flat on the underside of the slide is marked “G” at the rear.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The sights are a Millett target sight set. The front sight is a ramped blade with an orange insert fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a white outlined square notch adjustable for windage and elevation, dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished, several parts have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with thinning at some edges. There is some minor wear and faint oxidation in the grip areas. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish and a few scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as refinished and customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has no play to the frame but slides smoothly. The bushing fit is quite tight. 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:
-Brown leather “US” marked flap-holster (please note, the pistol does not fit in the holster with its current sights).
-2x two-tone 7-round magazines, showing scattered wear, some light oxidation, intact feed lips and strong springs.
-Checkered black rubber Pachmayr Signature wraparound grip.
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. This is a Colt Model 1911 that was made during WWI in 1916. It has since been customized with a new barrel bushing, extended controls and a nice set of target sights. This should still be a great shooter, especially with its tight fit, but would also be a worthwhile restoration project. Please see our photos and good luck!
