Make: Colt

Model: M1911A1

Serial Number: 1698213

Year of Manufacture: 1944

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

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; the rear sight is dented.

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 no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are some minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 in a cardboard craft box with a single 7-round Colt-Scovill magazine, brass cleaning rod and screwdriver.

Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. Since their introduction, the 1911 has seen a number of design changes, most minor, but the 1911-A1 introduced the arched mainspring housing, shorter trigger, and relief cuts behind the trigger on the frame. In addition to these inter-war changes, 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 is a beautiful example. The pistol is in Fine condition, retaining about 96% of its original parkerized finish, a great bore in its Colt barrel and strong mechanics. It will make a wonderful addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection, especially for those who want a representative example of each iteration of the design. Of course, it could still prove to be a decent shooter, too. Please see our photos and good luck!