Custom Engraved Colt U.S. Model 1911 Nickel .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3681
LSB#: 211003BB78
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 148588
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1917
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. / HARTFORD, CT.”. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. ARMY”. The right side of the frame is marked “148588”. The left barrel link-lug is marked “P”, the right is marked “HS” (WWII-era replacement). The top rear face of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serif). The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “G” and “H”, the right rail is marked with “3”. The flat on the underside of the slide is marked “G” and “S” in circle. There is extensive floral engraving on the top and flats of the slide and on the flats of the frame.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The rear sight is a “U” notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered sterling silver panels with reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs on the interior, appearing to have been patterned on WWII-era plastic grips. The inside of each panel is marked “STERLING” three times and the grips weigh 9.00 oz. together. The grips have some scattered light wear and discoloration in the cuts of the well defined checkering. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition as not original to the gun and could likely be cleaned up to Fine or better.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished, the pistol has been refinished since the engraving was originally cut.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is moderate erosion throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and swirls, but little through the finish. There are some nicks through the finish on the bottom of the dust cover just in front of where the trigger guard would be. There are some spots of finish loss in the engraving, most in the punch-dots and most notable on the right of the frame behind the grip. There is some scattered minor erosion under the finish. The trigger guard has been cut off with holes drilled, tapped and filled below the trigger and just behind the dust cover. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. Remaining markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Some markings have been removed entirely. Overall, this pistol is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished and customized.
Mechanics: The trigger guard has been removed, but 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: This pistol comes with one nickel plated 7-round magazine, a Colt Archives letter and a copy of the November, 2021 “Guns of the Old West” magazine. The pistol’s magazine is marked “COLT / 45 AUTO.” on the top of the floorplate. The magazine has light operational wear, some minor oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 has been quite flamboyantly customized, with the trigger guard removed, engraving on the slide and frame, a new nickel finish and sterling silver grips. The serial number has been re-marked, but if it is the original serial number, the included Colt Archive letter indicates that the pistol was made during WWI, shipped on May 21, 1917 in a shipment of 800 pistols to the Military Training Camp, Madison Barracks, New York. The included edition of “Guns of the Old West” magazine has an article about the 1911s use in the Old West, including a pair carried by noted Texas Ranger M.T. “Lone Wolf” Gonzuallas who modified his personal brace of 1911 pistols in a similar fashion. The pistol is in Good-Very Good condition with much of its new nickel finish remaining, showing scattered wear and signs of use, but retaining strong mechanics. This is an interesting 1911 with a very distinctive appearance which will display well in a collection and certainly will be a conversation starter for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!