Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 226521

Year of Manufacture: 1918

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed 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 walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The left panel has gouges at the bottom edge. The grips otherwise show even light handling wear. There are some scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original. Markings are correct including sans-serif H and P marks on the chamber.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear and minor erosion in the grip areas. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches including an "idiot mark" on the left of the frame and left slide flat from the slide stop during reassembly. There is some minor surface oxidation, including under the grips. 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.

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.

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. This pistol's metal finish is in good condition with crisp, clear markings and fairly light wear for a 108 year old issued military sidearm. This is a nice example of the U.S. Model of 1911 which will add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!