Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: C87455
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered light marks. The left panel shows a little discoloration. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are a few tiny spots of faint erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable at the leading edges of the slide. Most of the balance is scattered spots of minor surface erosion along the left of the slide and frame, with some more notable erosion under the left grip panel. There are some other scattered small spots of minor oxidation. There are a few minor nicks and small scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the "GOVERNMENT MODEL" marking on the left of the frame appears to have been struck with a damaged die. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
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 one two-tone 7-round magazine with lanyard-loop floorplate. The magazine has some surface erosion on the left side.
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. Having secured a contract for the US Military sidearm, Colt also offered the pistol to the commercial market as the "Government Model".
This is a fairly early Colt commercial Government Model made in 1917. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining generally strong original finish with some scattered surface erosion along the left side. It is interesting to note that there is similar erosion on the left of the magazine and some discoloration on the left grip panel, indicating they have likely been paired to the pistol for some time. The barrel has a strong good bore, quite exquisite for a pistol made and used in the era of corrosive primers. All of the old 1911 Colts are collectable, and we are sure this isn't going to be an exception. Please see our pictures and good luck in your bidding!
