RARE & MATCHING 1916 PRODUCTION COLT MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY .45 ACP PISTOL
SOLD FOR: $8,925
Rare & Matching 1916 Production Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Pistol
Make: Colt
Model: Model of 1911 U.S. Army
Serial Number: 137325
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered double-diamond walnut. The grips have minor handling wear with a few light nicks and tool marks in the diamonds. The checkering is well defined. The stocks have no chips or cracks. wear. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The lands are mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas, there is some other more minor wear, edge-thinning and some light nicks and scratches. The surfaces show infrequent minor oxidation and the action shows light operational wear. The magazine catch retainer slot is disfigured, but usable. The crew heads are strong. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single two-tone magazine marked “R” on the floorplate.
Our Assessment: With just more than 4,200 Model 1911 pistols produced and shipped by Colt in 1916, it is by far the lowest production year with some individual shipments in 1918 and 1919 eclipsing the entire annual production of 1916. Model 1911 pistols from this year have therefore become a desirable piece among collectors with a few interesting features and variations even within the limited production. The model marking on the slide is typically notably above center, as seen on this example. For most of the year’s production, principal inspector Francis “Frank” Hosmer was reassigned to the San Antonio Arsenal in Texas and pistols were instead inspected by W.e. Strong. Ironically, this example was produced after Hosmer’s return and has his “H” inspection marks, but was then shipped out to the San Antonio Arsenal on 12/16/1916! This will make a wonderful addition to even an advanced 1911 collection.