Make: Colt

Model: Government Model

Serial#: C159693

Year of Manufacture: 1931 (Colt Letter)

Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ” COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .45” and with a rampant Colt. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and has the patent dates. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle and “1". The right side of the trigger guard is marked “60”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a small blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a u- notch sight dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. The rear strap is checkered. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well-defined with faintly worn peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grip is in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is some minor wear on the leading edges. There are light scratches throughout. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide-to-frame fit is snug. We did not fire this firearm.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with 1 Magazine and Colt letter.

Our Assessment: Colt’s 1911 served the United States military through two World Wars and several other conflicts, is still in use by some units today, and has become popular with law enforcement, competitors, and recreational shooters across the nation. The design has seen some updates including a firing-pin block safety, higher profile sights, and more ergonomic grips, but the basic design and fantastic trigger remain the same after more than a century. It appears to have seen little if any use since leaving the factory. If you’re looking for your first 1911 or your last, this would be a good pony to add to the stable.