WWII Colt U.S. Model 1911A1 .45 ACP Military Semi-Automatic Pistol 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5200
LSB#: 230313FB003
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 756694
Year of Manufacture: 1941 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20.1897. SEPT.9 1902 / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913”, rampant colt, and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, the top of the slide is marked “P”, the rear face of the slide is marked “756 / 694” under the firing pin plate. The left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof, the left side of the frame below the slide stop is marked with “W.B.” in box. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 756694” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “W”, the right is marked “69”. The top of the frame is marked “G” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the left above the lug is marked “COLT 45 AUTO”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, serrated blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. The grips have only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling along the edges of the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. There is an “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. There is a little bit of minor erosion under the finish on the left slide-flat. The grip areas show handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is minor play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. We have not fired 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 post-war magazine.
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. Since their introduction, the 1911 has seen a number of design changes, most minor, but the 1911-A1 introduced the arched mainspring housing, shorter trigger, and relief cuts behind the trigger on the frame. In addition to these inter-war changes, Colt began finishing the guns by parkerizing them, a more durable finish than the original bluing.
This example was produced by Colt in 1941, as the “Arsenal of Democracy” was gearing up, but before the United States had officially entered the war. The pistol apparently saw service, it has been through at least one arsenal refurbish with updated sights and the grips have been replaced. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining about 90% of its new metal finish, a very shootable bore and strong mechanics. It will make a good addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection and should still prove to be a nice shooter, too. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
