Make: Colt

Model: WWII Commemorative Series 1911A1 Pistols – Asia-Pacific Theater, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater

Serial Number: 2828PTO, 2828ETO

Year of Manufacture: 1970 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .45 Auto

Action Type: Single action semi-automatic pistols with removable magazines

Barrel Length: 5" 

Sights/Optics: The front sights are short blades fixed to the slide and the rear sights are square notched and dovetailed into the slide.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistols have gold Colt medallions on each grip panel. PTO- The grips are smooth walnut and have no visible wear or damage. ETO- The grips are a smooth, blonde hardwood and have no visible wear or damage other than a very small pressure ding on the right grip panel. All of the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: These pistols retain about 99% of their metal finish. Neither handgun have notable marks other than a surface blemish over the "PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS" text on the PTO handgun. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, these pistols rate in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The actions function correctly. We did not fire these firearms. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This is an exceptional matched serial number pair from Colt's highly regarded World War II commemorative series. Both pistols are chambered in .45 Auto with 5" barrels and present in outstanding condition, retaining approximately 99% of their original finish. The metal surfaces are clean, bright, and evenly preserved, and both pistols exhibit the crisp markings, commemorative engraving, and presentation quality finish that define these limited production Colt offerings.

Mechanically, both pistols are excellent. The bores rate 9.5 out of 10 with bright steel and sharp rifling, indicating minimal use. The actions function correctly with smooth cycling, proper lockup, and the familiar Government Model handling characteristics. While commemorative in nature, these pistols retain full mechanical integrity and correct 1911A1 operation.

The set is accompanied by the original Colt display cases, plaques, and display cartridges, significantly enhancing completeness and collector appeal. The matching serial numbers across the ETO and PTO pistols elevate this pair beyond standard commemoratives, placing them firmly in the upper tier of Colt collectible sets.

Released in 1970, Colt's WWII Commemorative series honored the service of the Model 1911A1 across both major theaters of the Second World War. These pistols were produced as presentation pieces rather than duty arms, and matched ETO and PTO pairs are far less common than single examples. The inclusion of original display materials and the matched serial configuration make this set especially desirable to advanced Colt collectors.

This pair should be regarded as a collector grade Colt commemorative set, offering strong historical symbolism, exceptional condition, and complete original presentation. Sets of this quality and completeness are increasingly difficult to find.