WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3000
LSB#: 211002NI11
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 2269246
Year of Manufacture: 1945 (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 2269246” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY” with an Ordnance wheel marked behind the top of the grip. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “R”, the right is marked “91”. The top of the frame is marked “S” at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P”, the right lug has a “C” in square, the bottom of the barrel is marked “7” in front of the lugs.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated, ramped rear face, 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 Coltwood plastic with reinforcement ribs on the inside and with large reinforcing rings around the grip screws. There are mold number markings on the inside where the ribs cross. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered light marks. There are some light marks in the reinforcement rings. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Likely Arsenal Refurbished. There is media blasting in the markings, but we could not find a good reference as to whether or not media blasting was performed by Colt before or after markings were applied. Please see photos.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The finish is generally strong throughout with some scattered nicks and scuffs through the finish, most notable in the frontstrap and on the trigger guard. The grip areas show handling wear and some discoloration. There is an “idiot mark” under the slide stop. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the Ordnance wheel is incomplete and the “G.H.D.” marking is stamped deeper at the “G” and lighter toward the “D”. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus 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. The magazine has scattered wear and some discoloration with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of “the slide”, which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns. There were some tweaks to the original design including a shorter trigger, relief cuts to each side of the trigger on the frame and an arched mainspring housing, resulting in the 1911A1. This example was produced by Colt in 1945 toward the end of WWII. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition, retaining about 92% of its current metal finish, a great 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!