WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1875.01

LSB#: 210226SC07

Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 526933

Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “A A” above the trigger guard, the right of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 526933”. 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. AUG. 19, 1913”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” and behind the serrations with a Rampant Colt logo. The rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs). The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with an incomplete eagle’s head over “6”. The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of the disconnector and “G” behind. The barrel is marked “S” and “P” on the left link lug.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “U”-notched rear sight dovetailed into the slide and a short rounded blade front sight fixed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on their interiors. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered light marks and spots of light discoloration on the left panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light scuffs and scratches. There are nicks and scattered light erosion under the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots, the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition as arsenal refurbished.

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. The magazine has light operational wear, some scattered light surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good 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. Government marked Colt 1911 pistol made toward the end of WWI in 1918. Typical of most frames made in this serial range, the cutouts under the grip panels are heart-shaped, rather than oval. At some point it was refurbished at Augusta Arsenal and now has a parkerized finish, WWII era grips and barrel, but still retains original 1911 features such as the smooth mainspring housing, long trigger and short grip safety tang. This will make a great addition to a 1911 collection as an example of an original Model of 1911 that survived into the era of the 1911A1. Please see our photos and good luck!