WWI Springfield Frame Colt Slide 1911 US Army 45 ACP Doug Turnbull Restored
SOLD FOR: $2,425
WOA#: WY240210TM037
Make: Springfield Armory Frame, Colt Slide
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 72630
Year of Manufacture: Frame (1914) Slide (1940)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “No 72630”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the dust cover. The left side 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 “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. On the left side of the frame near the trigger well it is marked with an Ordinance stamp. On top of the slide it is marked with a “P”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “U”-notched rear sight dovetailed into the slide and a short rounded blade front sight fixed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece smooth ivory grip. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Re-Finished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol has been refinished and was very well done. As you will see the slide is a COLT 1911 and the frame is SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. The ordiance proof mark next to the trigger well shows that it is a SPRINGFIELD. The Colt logo dates the slide to be 1940.There are no scratches or wear marks. Overall this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has very little 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 1 7rd magazine in Excellent condition. Also it comes with the original checkered wood grips. The checkering is somewhat worn down but overall they are in Great condition.
Our Assessment: The WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, produced in 1914, holds a significant place in military history as one of the most iconic handguns ever created. Commissioned by the U.S. Army to replace older revolver models, the Colt M1911 became the standard-issue sidearm for American soldiers during World War I and beyond.
Designed by firearms genius John Browning, the M1911 was a groundbreaking advancement in handgun technology. Its semi-automatic operation and powerful .45 ACP cartridge offered soldiers increased firepower and reliability compared to the revolvers of the time. The pistol’s rugged construction and simple yet effective design made it well-suited for the rigors of combat in the trenches and on the battlefield.
During World War I, the Colt M1911 gained a reputation for its stopping power and reliability in close-quarters combat. Its adoption by the U.S. military marked a significant shift in small arms doctrine, emphasizing the importance of semi-automatic handguns for modern warfare. The M1911’s legacy endured long after WWI, serving as the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. military for over seven decades and earning a place in the hearts of servicemen and firearms enthusiasts worldwide as a symbol of American ingenuity and firepower. Please see our photos and good luck bidding! – C.J.
