WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3695
LSB#: 220209FH35
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 944517
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 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 “G.H.D”. The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 944517” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, it is also marked with the Springfield crossed cannons behind the grip but it is faint as is common. The rear face of the slide, under the firing pin plate, is marked “944 / 517”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “P”, the right is marked “93”. The top of the frame is marked “G”, “Y”, 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.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, serrated ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are replacement two-piece checkered brown Keyes Fibre brown plastic with reinforcement ribs on the inside and with reinforcing rings around the grip screws. There are a number of little nicks and faint compressions to the checkering. There are a few minor hairline scratches on the smooth portions at the bottoms. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered erosion and light pitting scattered in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges with more notable finish loss on the leading edges of the slide. There is finish loss on the slide in front of the dust cover. There is a takedown mark on the left side of the frame that has caused finish loss. There are a few little oil marks, most noticeable on the dust cover and slide towards the front. The grip areas show light handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is 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, marked “C-R” on the floorplate.
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. This pistol was made after the switch to parkerized finishing and retains about 93% of its finish. It has the later-style ramped front sight which replaced the earlier rounded blade and a square notch rear sight which replaced the “U”-notches. 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. In all, this is a great example of a 1943 production Colt M1911A1. It was produced when the slides were still serialized, so it’s nice for the collectors to know that the slide is original to the frame. The pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition, retaining about 93% of its metal finish, a good bore and strong mechanics. It will make a nice addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!