Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 505754
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5", High Standard 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 full checkered walnut panels. The grips have even light handling wear. There are some small, light nicks, mostly on the right panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: The slide's finish is Original, the frame has been Refinished. The barrel is not original to the gun, some other small parts may have been 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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The most notable finish wear is on the thumb-safety, grip-safety and mainspring housing. There is some scattered light wear on the slide, mostly along the top, and some on the trigger. The frame's finish is generally strong throughout with infrequent spots of minor erosion under the finish, mostly under the grips. There are some minor nicks and scratches. There is some scattered minor oxidation, mostly in the worn areas. 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 Very Good condition as partially refinished and 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, lanyard, USMC marked Mills holster, USMC marked canvas web-belt with magazine pouch and a pouch with a Bauer and Black First Aid Packet-U.S. Navy in a sealed tin. The magazine has tiny cracks at the rear of the feed lips.
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 Very Good condition as partially refinished, retaining original finish on its slide with the frame refinished. It has a WWII-era High Standard replacement barrel and replacement grips, but has a strong bore and good mechanics. This is a neat example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to your collection, especially with the included holster and belt rig. Please see our photos and good luck!
