US Army WWII Colt Model 1911A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1944 C&R Vintage
SOLD FOR: $1,524.00
WOA#: WY240321BS105
Make: Colt
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: 1632612
Year of Manufacture: 1944 (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 with “PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902. / DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911. AUG.19,1913”, their “Rampant Colt” logo, 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 “No 1632612”, the US Property and M1911A1 markings have been milled off that side of the frame, it’s also marked with the Ordnance crossed cannons behind the grip but it’s incomplete as is common. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “P”, the right is marked “13”. The top of the frame is marked “H” and “W” or “M” at the disconnector. The barrel lug is marked “P” and “C” in square, the bottom of the barrel is marked “7”. The front face of the bushing is marked “Micro”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, serrated blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown “Coltwood” plastic with large reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on the interior. There are mold-number markings where the ribs cross. The grips have light-moderate handling wear with some light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves, and some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 50% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear, most notable on the slide behind the heat-treated portion at the front. The grip areas show handling wear. There is scattered surface erosion. There are light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is minor 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 one 7-round magazine and a zippered padded case.
Our Assessment: The Colt .45 semi-automatic pistol was 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 to officers, NCOs, and other troopers in both World War 1 and World War 2. In the interwar period,the 1911-A1 introduced the arched mainspring housing, shorter trigger, and relief cuts behind the trigger on the frame. In addition, Colt began finishing the guns by parkerizing them, a more durable finish than the original bluing.
This example was produced by Colt in 1944 and has seen some customization since leaving service. The US Property and M1911A1 markings have been milled off the right of the frame with a matching mill line on the left of the frame. The frontstrap has been stippled and serrations have been cut across the hammer spur’s checkering. The ejection port has been flared and the barrel bushing replaced with a Micro bushing which is quite tight. The pistol is in Good Plus condition as refinished, retaining about 50% of its new metal finish, a decent bore, and strong mechanics. It will make a fine addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection, and could still prove to be a decent shooter, too. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
