SERIAL NUMBER 2441, 1912 PRODUCTION WWI COLT MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY .45 ACP PISTOL
SOLD FOR: $9,520
Serial Number 2441, 1912 Production WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Pistol
Make: Colt
Model: Model of 1911 U.S. Army
Serial Number: 2441
Year of Manufacture: 1912
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 round-top “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered double-diamond walnut stocks. The grips have light handling wear with some nicks, compressed checkers on the right panel, and light tool marks at the screws. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered moderate erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is light handling wear in the grip areas, edge-thinning, and some scattered minor discoloration. There is an odd void in the finish on the left of the frame in the shape of the slide stop, mostly covered by the slide stop when assembled. Most of the barrel hood has worn to white with a defined border between the wear and stronger finish. There are some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. 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 first-type two-tone magazine with exposed lanyard loop floorplate.
Our Assessment: This Model of 1911 US Army is not only a very early example, shipped to Springfield Armory April 25, 1912, but it retains a raft of early features. It has correct markings as well as the first-style mainspring housing pin, round-top rear sight, steep radius firing pin plate, long-leg guide rod, recoil spring plug without punch-hole and even a first-style magazine. With fewer than 2,500 made before this example and retaining the great majority of its original finish, this will make a fine addition to even advanced collections.