WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2000
LSB#: 210930TP16
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 783184
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (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 left of the frame below the magazine release is marked with a “P” acceptance proof, the left side of the frame above the magazine release is marked with “W.B.” in box. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 783184” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate, is marked “783 / 184”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “P”, the right is marked “74”. The top of the frame is marked with a flaming bomb, “R”, and “G” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P” and the left of the barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” above the lug, the bottom of the barrel is marked “G” in front of the lugs. The underside of the slide is marked “G” and “U / Z”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, rounded 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 walnut. These are earlier production replacement grips, the original grips based on the serial number would have been plastic. There are some scattered little nicks to the checkers and some light compressions. There are some oil marks and discoloration. The right panel is noticeably darker than the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as a replacement.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Areas of the original finish are visible but the surfaces have been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with worn and shallow rifling. There is some light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its current metal finish. There is mottled finish loss and thinning. There is finish loss and oxidation on the front strap. There are areas of mottled discoloration, most noticeable on the slide. There are a few little tiny spots of light erosion scattered over the slide which are under the finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There are a few scattered spots of oxidation and frost on the slide, most noticeable towards the front. There are a few spots of discoloration from previous oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is barely perceptible 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: Included is a 7-round 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. This example was produced by Colt in 1942 as the design saw some tweaks and changes. It has the earlier-style rounded front sight which would be replaced with a serrated, ramped rear face. This one has a square notch rear sight which looks like a replacement, “U” notched sights were used until about serial number 893,000. The hammer has the original wide-spur which would soon be replaced by a spur of the same width as the body. The slide stop, thumb safety, and mainspring housing are all checkered, each of which would eventually be serrated. It was produced when the slides were still serialized and this pistol’s slide matches. The pistol is in about Very Good condition, retaining about 65% of its current metal finish. It will make a nice addition to a C&R or WWII collection. Please see our photos and good luck!