WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3025

LSB#: 210220EW01

Make: Colt

Model: 1911-A1

Serial Number: 1158414

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (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 right is marked “D 44”. 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 “GHD”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 1158414” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, the rear has a faint Ordnance wheel marking. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “F”, the right is marked “90”. The top of the frame is marked “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.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated ramp fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement ribs on the inside and reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have light handling wear, most notable on the right panel above the bottom mounting screw. There are a few scattered light nicks and scuffs with some verdigris in the checkering of the left panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish loss is handling wear in the grip areas, there is some finish wear at the front of the slide and dust cover, consistent with holster use. There are some scattered light nicks, scratches and scuffs including light scratching below the slide stop. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the ordnance wheel is incomplete (common). Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is very light 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 magazine. The magazine is blued with the top 1/3 left in the white. The magazine shows light-moderate operational wear, some minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Good-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 example was produced by Colt in 1943. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining about 85% of its parkerized finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. It will make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!