WWII Colt U.S. Model 1911A1 .45 ACP Military Semi-Automatic Pistol 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,325.00
LSB#: LSB260217BC002
Make: Colt (Colt frame, Colt slide, Colt barrel)
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1708336
Year of Manufacture: 1944 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-automatic, short-recoil operated, fed by detachable magazines
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with Colt’s patent dates: “PATENTED APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902 / DEC. 19. 1905. FEB. 14. 1911. AUG. 19. 1913” followed by the Rampant Colt logo and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 1708336” and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY.” The frame bears inspection marks, including “G.H.D.”, the “VP” proof, and “P.” The barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” on the left side, and “P” on the left side of the lug. The magazine is marked “L” on the lip.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated face staked to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Coltwood plastic with strengthening ribs, mold numbers, and large reinforced rings around screw holes. The grips have minimal handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There is little to no tooling on the grip screws. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized frame and slide, blued barrel
Finish Originality: Arsenal refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp with heavy fouling. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish shows light wear from handling and operation. There is a faint “Idiot Scratch” under the slide stop. There are a few minor surface blemishes present. The markings are fairly clear and complete. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very 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: One 7-round M.S. Little Mfg. Co. magazine.
Our Assessment: This WWII Colt U.S. Model 1911A1 was manufactured in 1944 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic pistol. Produced by Colt under U.S. government contract, 1944 production represents the later stages of wartime output when Colt was one of several major contractors supplying M1911A1 pistols to U.S. forces. The pistol now wears an arsenal refurbished finish, consistent with common post-war reconditioning programs that extended the service life of these sidearms.
Chambered in .45 ACP with a 5 inch barrel, this pistol follows the standard military M1911A1 configuration that served American forces throughout World War II. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10, indicating strong internal condition. The action functions correctly. All of the parts are correct for this pistol. Included is one 7 round magazine marked by M.S. Little Mfg. Co., a recognized WWII subcontractor that supplied magazines during wartime production.
This pistol retains approximately 97 percent of its current metal finish, presenting a clean and cohesive appearance following arsenal refurbishment. The grips rate in Fine Plus condition with minimal visible wear. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition and stands as a solid example of a 1944 Colt military M1911A1 with correct components and period magazine. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -C.R.