WWII US Colt 1911A1 1911-A1 British Proof .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3300
LSB#: 210419MB17
Make: Colt
Model: M1911A1
Serial Number: 745811
Year of Manufacture: 1941 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 745811”, “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY” and with Birmingham commercial proof marks. The left of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902. / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913”, with a rampant colt and “COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The rear of the slide is marked “745 / 811” under the firing pin plate. The right of the slide is marked with a crowned “BNP” proof just above the flat behind the ejection port. The top of the slide is marked “P” in front of the rear sight. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with an “R.S.” in box inspector’s mark and with a “P” at the magazine release. The top of the frame is marked “G” and “R.S.” in box to the right of the disconnector. The left of the trigger guard is marked “X” and the right “40”. The barrel’s left link lug is marked “P”, the right “HS” and the chamber has commercial Birmingham proof marks. The bottom of the mainspring housing is hand-scribed “41 32 / 4696” through the finish.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a square-notched rear sight dovetailed into the slide and a short rounded blade front sight fixed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the grip screws and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered compressed checkers, most in the left panel, and light tool marks in the reinforcement rings. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There is a chip in the top edge of the left panel. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling just in front of the chamber.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with handling wear in the mainspring housing and light operational wear. There is wear on the right of the trigger consistent with a previously installed trigger-shoe. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches with some faint surface erosion under the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has nominal play to the frame. We did not fire 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 “R” on the top of the floorplate. The magazine shows scattered wear and some discoloration on the floorplate, with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition. Also included is a Robert’s Arms Specialties Protecta-Gun two-piece cardboard box with a hand-written label which has this pistol’s information. The box shows little in the way of storage wear, in Fine-Excellent 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 is a 1941 made Colt 1911A1. It has British commercial proof marks but no British martial markings, possibly indicating that it was sold or transferred by a US serviceman in England during or after WWII. The pistol has a new blue finish which appears well done. It will make a nice addition for the 1911 collector and should still make for a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
