Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 428107
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5", Colt M1911A1
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Coltwood plastic with large reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on the interior. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel is a WWII-era replacement and some other small parts are likely replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 35% of its metal finish. Finish remains mostly in protected areas and around raised features. There is strong finish on most controls. The grip areas are mostly worn to white with other scattered wear. The slide has extensive but light surface erosion with slightly more notable erosion in the fronstrap and mainspring housing. There is some scattered light oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition as not all parts-original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire 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 two-tone magazine, 1918 dated Warren M1916 holster, canvas web-belt with magazine pouch and a pouch with a Wilford Hall Individual Dressing Packet.
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 is a U. S. Government marked Colt 1911 pistol made toward the end of WWI in 1918. The pistol is in Good condition, showing wear consistent with its age and service. It has a WWII-era Colt replacement barrel and grips, but retains original finish on the slide and frame. This is a neat example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to your collection, especially with the included Warren M1916 holster and belt rig. With its strong bore and mechanics, it may also prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
