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

SOLD FOR: $1652

LSB#: 210506MW57

 

Make: Colt

 

Model: 1911

 

Serial Number: 551736

 

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

 

Caliber: .45 ACP

 

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

 

Markings: The right of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 551736″. 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 a rampant colt and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The rear of the slide is marked under the firing pin plate with an upside-down “1” and above the firing pin plate with “H” (vertical, no serifs). The top of the frame is marked “8” to the right and in front of the feed ramp, “H” (with serifs) in front of and “G” behind the disconnector. The left of the frame has an eagle’s head over “S16”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “42”. The top of the barrel is marked with an “HP” monogram and the bottom is marked “5” and “P” in front of the link-lugs.

 

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 walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

 

Type of Finish: Blued

 

Finish Originality: Refinished

 

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is light-moderate erosion scattered through the bore.

 

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The finish shows minor operational wear and light handling marks. There are some scattered minor nicks and spots of erosion under the finish with a more notable spot of erosion under the finish at the top of the frontstrap. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the eagle’s head acceptance mark on the frame is incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished.

 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol 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 7-round magazine with a lanyard-loop floorplate. The magazine has scattered light erosion and operational wear, a spot of stubborn residue on the left above the top witness hole, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about 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 and subsequently lovingly restored. The pistol is in about Fine condition, retaining about 98% of its new blued finish. This should make a nice addition for the 1911 collector which will display well, and should still make for a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!