Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 415414, slide serial 880588

Year of Manufacture: 1918, slide made 1943

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5", High Standard

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown Coltwood plastic panels with reinforcement ribs on the inside and large reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have even light handling wear. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings in the right panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue, Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished. The parts are likely arsenal refurbished, but are not original to each other. The frame has an Augusta Arsenal refurbish mark.

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 85% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has been polished bright. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches including a light "idiot mark" under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished and not parts-original.

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, WWI-era web belt with M1916 holster, first aid pouch with WWI-era IFAK pouch and dressing, and one 2-magazine pouch.

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.

This example was made toward the end of WWI in 1918. The pistol appears to have spent some time in service, having an Augusta Arsenal refurbish mark on the frame, and now equipped with a WWII-era Colt slide, Coltwood grips, and High Standard barrel. The pistol includes a neat holster rig which should make for a fine display. It may also still prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!