WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3500

LSB#: 210317JM03

Make: Colt

Model: 1911-A1

Serial Number: 1693096

Year of Manufacture: 1944 (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 1693096” 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 “K”, the right is marked “35”. The top of the frame is marked “N” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the bottom of the barrel is marked “7” and the left of the barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO” above the lug. The magazine floorplate is marked “RIA” and “MAGAZINE ASSY / U.S. .45 ACP. CAL.”.

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 large reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable at the leading edges of the slide. There are a few scattered light nicks and scuffs, including light wear under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads have some light finish loss, but retain sharp slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-Excellent 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 has minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

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 1944, toward the end of WWII. The pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition, retaining about 97% of its parkerized finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. It will make a fantastic addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection, especially in its high condition. Please see our photos and good luck!