WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1913 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2425
LSB#: 210317JM02
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 21236
Year of Manufacture: 1913 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the dust cover is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, the right of the frame is marked “No 21236”. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. ARMY”. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20.1897 / SEPT.9.1902. DEC.19.1905. FEB.14.1911”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” and behind the serrations with a rampant colt. The rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serif) above the firing pin plate. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with a “WGP” in circle (Walter G. Penfield Maj.). The top of the frame is marked “H” and “U” at the disconnector. The barrel is marked “5” on the bottom in front of the link lugs.
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 sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. There are approximately 11 +/-1 checkers between the points of the diamonds, likely Springfield Armory production. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered nicks and scuffs, most notable at the bottom of the right panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling, mostly in the grooves in front of the chamber.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas. The action has operational wear. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches including a scratch under the slide stop on the left of the frame. There is some scattered minor erosion under the finish. The finish has a mottled plum hue. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has nominal play to the frame. We did not fire 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 a single 7-round magazine with a lanyard loop floorplate, the top portion finished in the white, and the body comes down flush with the bottom edge of the floorplate, secured to the plate with two rivets on each side. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition.
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. Colt Model of 1911 pistol made in 1913, prior to the outbreak of WWI. The pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished, retaining about 85% of its new blue finish. The pistol has wear that is pretty light for a military sidearm that’s more than 100 years old. This should make a nice addition for the 1911 collector and should still make for a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!