Make: Colt

Model: Commercial Government Model

Serial Number: C3050

Year of Manufacture: 1913

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top "U"-notch dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have even handling wear. There are some light nicks and scratches, mostly around the screws. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Fire-Blue Controls

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered faint surface oxidation. There are minor nicks and thin scratches. There is a light "idiot mark" below the slide stop on the left of the frame. The grip areas show minor handling wear with more notable finish wear along the slide. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one two-tone magazine with a body which comes down flush with the bottom edge of the floorplate.

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.

Having secured a contract for the US Military sidearm, Colt also offered the pistol to the commercial market as the "Government Model". During this period, Colt was producing both commercial and U.S. military pistols, it would only be a couple of years before many began to be purchased by the initial belligerents of the Great War and only a couple more before the United States joined in. This stunning early four-digit Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 from 1913 retains its incredible original blued and fire-blue finish, radiating historic elegance and remarkable condition. All parts are correct with a long-leg guide rod and correct markings. With its low serial number from Colt’s second year of civilian production, this pistol is an exquisite centerpiece for any serious collector or enthusiast. Please see our pictures and good luck in your bidding!