Make: Colt

Model: Model of 1911, U.S. Navy

Serial Number: 38441

Year of Manufacture: Shipped July 25, 1913 To U.S. Navy Yard, Brooklyn

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20.1897 / SEPT.9,1902. DEC.19,1905. FEB.14,1911.” and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”, with a Rampant Colt logo at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. NAVY”. The right side of the frame is marked “No 38441”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and behind the trigger with a circled “GHS”. The left barrel lug is marked "5", found again on the bottom in front of the lug, the top of the chamber is marked "P" and "H". The top rear face of the slide is marked “H” (vertical, no serif). The flat on the top of the frame around the disconnector is marked “H” and “R”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade. The rear sight is a round-top “U” notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips show even wear with some scattered marks and patches of compressed checkering. The checkering is otherwise generally well defined. There are some tool marks around the grip screws. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear with most worn areas going to a light patina. There is some scattered light oxidation with a little more notable oxidation under the grips on the frame. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are punch-marks on each side of the rear sight. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good-plus 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 in a craft cardboard box with a single 7-round magazine which has a lanyard loop baseplate pinned to the body. The spine of the magazine has "MAX BO HM" hand-scribed.

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. This is a Colt Model 1911 that was made before WWI in 1913. It was shipped to the United States Navy in late July of that year, almost exactly one year before the outbreak of WWI. The pistol has been refinished, with the majority of its new blue finish remaining. The wear is consistent with a Navy service pistol, so it is possible it was refurbished during its service. This is a neat example of a pre-WWI Navy sidearm, perfect for a 1911 or US small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!