100% Correct US Navy Pre-WWI Colt Model 1911 .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol
SOLD FOR: $7,525
WOA#: WY240224CC066
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 43696
Year of Manufacture: 1913
(https://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/colt%20production.htm)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Removable Magazine Fed Single Action SA Semi-Automatic Pistol.
Markings: This pistol has “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY” on the right side of the slide, and “No 43696″ on the right side of the frame. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR. 20.1897 / SEPT. 9.1902. DEC. 19.1905. FEB. 14.1911”, along with “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. Their “prancing pony” emblem is marked on the left rear slide. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. There is a proof mark above the mag release. The inside of the slide is marked with an arrow, the inside of the frame is marked “H / T” with a diamond, and the barrel is marked “P / H”. The magazine is correctly unmarked.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small crescent blade, the rear sight is a flat top U-notch that is dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood grips with smooth “double diamond” patterns at the screws. There is some scratching and pressure dents. The grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some minor wear. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at 8/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The barrel and action are worn from use. There are minor scratches on the frame and slide. There is heavy scratching near the takedown cross pin. The bluing is thinning in some places. There is patina on the grip frame from use. The screws and pins are in good condition. Overall this pistol rates at Very Good condition for a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action is smooth, the trigger is crisp and light. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One scarce, original, and early “two tone” Type II “Keyhole Cutout” 7 round magazine. These mags were produced from Serial Number 4500-30000, so likely predates the pistol by a few months.
Our Assessment: The Colt .45 semi-automatic pistol was designed by the legendary firearms inventor John Moses Browning, and developed for the US Army in 1911 after the .38 revolver failed to stop charging Moro warriors in the Philippines. The US Navy also quickly adopted the Colt Model 1911, receiving their first shipment of 500 in 1912. The powerful .45 would see service aboard ship by US Navy sailors during the Great War, as four pipe destroyers escorted large convoys across the Atlantic to deliver “doughboys” and US Marines “over there”. This particular Colt Model 1911 was delivered to the US Navy in 1913 in a shipment of 5,800. With its original lustrous blue finish, “double diamond” wood grips, and “two tone” Type II “keyhole cutout” magazine, it’s a wonderful example of a rare, early US Navy Colt Model 1911. -R.E.
