Custom Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,182.99
WOA#: WY240309GJ018
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 246290
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR. 20. 1897 SEPT. 9. 1902 / DEC. 19. 1905 FEB. 14. 1911 AUG. 9. 1913”, rampant colt, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, the top is marked “P” and with a five-pointed star in front of the rear sight. The left of the dust cover is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, there is a “JMG” monogram inspection mark above the magazine catch. The right of the frame is marked “No 246290″. The top of the frame is marked “H”, “D” and “G” around the disconnector. The barrel’s left link-lug is marked “P”, the right “HS”
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short serrated, ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide. The sights are not original to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. The grips show moderate wear with scattered nicks and scratches. There are a couple of bruises, most notable on the left panel. The checkering is worn, but most visible. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Parkerized or in the white.
Finish Originality: The finish appears original to the parts. Several parts have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 30% of its current metal finish. There is odd chemical wear and minor erosion in the front of the slide and the dust cover. The grip areas are mostly worn to white. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There are tool marks at the rear sight dovetail. Behind the dovetail on the top of the slide is what appears to be some sort of filled hole. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition as not parts-original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The slide has light play to the frame. 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: None. Please note, no magazine is included.
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 U. S. Government marked Colt 1911 pistol made in 1918, toward the end of the Great War.
The pistol likely stayed in service for some time. There is a star marking on the slide which is mysterious, but is frequently associated with an arsenal repair or inspection mark, most commonly observed on WWII-era M1911A1 pistols. The pistol has A1-style sights and trigger installed with a WWII-era High Standard barrel. Other parts are from after leaving service, such as the mainspring housing, beavertail grip safety, grips, and serrated magazine release. This is a neat old warhorse, equally suited to restoration or continuing to customize to your own specifications. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
