US Army WWI Colt Model 1911 .45 ACP 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol 1917 C&R Rare
SOLD FOR: $1,613
WOA#: WY240311WOA013
Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 160475
Year of Manufacture: 1917
(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. ARMY” on the right side of the slide, and “No. 160475” 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. AUG. 19.1913”, 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 “H / G”, the inside of the frame is marked “H / G”, and the barrel is marked “P / H”.
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. There are some minor chips at the bottom of the grips. The checkering is worn. The grips are in 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 10% of its metal finish. Most of the finish on this pistol has worn off. There are small spots of bluing, mostly on the frame. There is moderate action wear. The slide and frame have small nicks in the steel. The screws and pins are in good condition. Overall this pistol rates at Good 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 blued 7 round magazine.
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 WW1, and it was most frequently carried by officers, NCOs, and machine gunners. This particular Colt Model 1911 is a fine wartime example (1917). -R.E.
