WWII U.S. Colt Model 1911-A1 M1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1825
LSB#: 220419EV004
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1112434
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 1112434” and “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, it is also marked with the Springfield crossed cannons behind the grip but it is incomplete as is common. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “W”, the right is marked “73”. The top of the frame is marked “G”, “B”, and “G”. at the disconnector. The left link-lug of the barrel is marked “P” the left lug is marked “HS” (High Standard production).
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 two-piece checkered brown Coltwood plastic panels with reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The left panel has a more notable scrape toward the bottom-front. The top edge of the left panel has had a shallow notch relieved. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light finish wear with more notable handling wear in the grip areas. Most of the worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with light tool marks around some pin heads. There is some minor erosion under the finish. 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 condition as refinished.
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 brown leather flap-holster, a canvas magazine pouch and a total of two 7-round magazines. THe holster is marked “US” in oval on the flap and “ENGER-KRESS” on the belt loop, showing scattered wear and discoloration, verdigris at the metal parts, and intact stitching. The pouch is marked “U.S.” on its flap with a worn marking on the back which appears to be “AVERY” over a year marking which is not legible. The pouch has minor wear and some discoloration. One magazine is marked “C-R” on the bottom of the floorplate and “R” on the top (Ridson), the other is marked “S” on the top of the floorplate (Scovill). The magazines show operational wear, the Scovill magazine has surface erosion, both have some light surface oxidation, intact feed lips and strong springs.
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 as the design saw some tweaks and changes. This pistol was made after the switch to parkerized finishing, though it has been given a new blued 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 and mainspring housing are serrated, while the thumb safety has the earlier checkering. The pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished, retaining about 80% of its new metal finish, a good bore and strong mechanics. It will make a nice addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection, especially with the included holster, magazine pouch and brace of magazines. Please see our photos and good luck!