WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1975
WOA#: WY230711KE001
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 517365
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “No 517365. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the dust cover. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902 / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG. 19, 1913”, with a rampant colt and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The rear of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serifs) above the firing pin plate. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with an eagle’s head over “S8” inspection mark. The left of the trigger guard is marked “27”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered bakelite. The grips have light handling wear. The bottom screw on the left grip is missing. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: This pistol was Reblued a long time ago.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its metal finish. There is thinning on all of the leading edges. There are some light scattered light nicks, scuffs and handling marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition for a WWI pistol.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible 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 serialized non matching 7-round magazine, a mag pouch with two more magazines and a leather holster. The magazines have light operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring. The leather is pliable with some scratches and scuffs. There are no rips or tears.
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. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of “the slide”, which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns. This is a U. S. Government marked Colt 1911 pistol made toward the end of WWI in 1918. The pistol shows wear consistent with its age and martial use, but retains strong mechanics and bore. This is a neat example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!