US Army WWII Colt Model 1911A1 .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol 1940 C&R Rare
SOLD FOR: $9,285
WOA#: WY240224CC063
Make: Colt
Model: 1911A1
Serial Number: 718794
Year of Manufacture: 1940
(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 “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No. 718794″ and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY” on the right side of the frame. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “69”. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR. 20.1897. SEPT. 9.1902 / DEC. 19.1905 FEB. 14.1911. AUG. 19.1913”, along with their “prancing pony” emblem, and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “CSP / P”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “W” with a proof mark. The inside of the slide is marked “G / C / JN”, the inside of the frame is marked “G / CSR”, and the barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”.
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 plastic grips. There is some scratching. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is only minor action wear. The bluing on the slide and frame have some thinning spots. There are marks from the takedown pin. The screws and pins are in good condition. Overall this pistol rates at Excellent condition for a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action is smooth, the trigger is crisp. 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 original ca. mid-1930s Colt 7 round magazine, a mostly blued commercial (these were often used on pre/early war military Colt 1911A1s) example marked “COLT / 45 AUTO” on the bottom of the floorplate.
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 Army issued the powerful .45 during WW2, and it was most frequently carried by officers, NCOs, and machine gunners. This particular Colt Model 1911A1 is a beautiful pre/early war example (1940) with a lustrous blue finish. -R.E.
