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

SOLD FOR: $1530

LSB#: 200715MO02

Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 523720

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” (Augusta Arsenal refurbish mark) above the trigger guard and with an eagle’s head over “S8” behind the trigger. The right of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 523720”. 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”, with an incomplete 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) and under the firing pin plate with “2”. The top of the frame is marked with an “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” in front of the disconnector, and “G” behind. The left link-lug is marked “S” and “P”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “25”.

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 ribs on the interior and with reinforcement rings at the screws. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished after Arsenal Refurbishment

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

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is Thinning at some edges, most notable at the leading edges of the slide. There is some minor surface oxidation along the top of the slide and in the grip areas. The grip areas show light handling wear. The action has light operational wear. There is light surface erosion and some minor pitting under the finish, scattered throughout. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in about Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The thumb-safety does not function correctly. When engaged, it does not consistently prevent the pistol from firing. This should be addressed prior to firing this pistol. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. It has a properly functioning grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has moderate 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 marked “L” on the top of the floorplate. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and strong springs, 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 has since received a newer blued finish. The thumb safety on this pistol is not currently functioning correctly, but this would be a great pistol for a restoration project, to customize, or as a source of parts for another 1911 project. Please see our photos and good luck!

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