Make: Colt

Model: 1911 Government Model

Serial Number: C234602

Year of Manufacture: 1948

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped 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 panels with large reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on the interior. 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: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is scattered stubborn fouling, most notable just in front of the chamber. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7-8/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the frame's serial marking is shallow and its model marking is double-stamped. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as refinished.

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 with a single 7-round magazine, craft cardboard box and non-original paperwork including manual.

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. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of "the slide", which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns.

In addition to the design's military service, they were also sold on the commercial market as "The Government Model". This Colt Government Model was made in 1948. The pistol is in Fine condition as refinished with 97% of its new metal finish, a good bore, and strong mechanics. All of the old 1911 Colts are collectable, and we are sure this early post-war model isn’t going to be an exception. Please see our pictures and good luck in your bidding!