Colt WWII Model 1911-A1 1911A1 MFD 1943, C&R Parkerized 5″ Semi-Auto, U.S. Army Pistol .45 ACP

SOLD FOR: $2,353.00
LSB#: 190330KS02

Make: Colt

Model: M1911A1

Serial Number: 1117771

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 A.C.P.

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked PATENTED APR.20.1897. SEPT.9.1902 / DEC.19.1905. FEB.14.1911. AUG. 19.1913″ with a Rampant Colt and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”, the bottom of the slide has inspector marks “U”, “G”, “V”, and “Z” by the right frame slot, the top of the slide is marked “P” between the rear sight and ejection port, the rear of the slide is marked “1117 / 771” under the firing pin retaining plate. The right of the frame has an Ordnance wheel mark behind the top of the grip, “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No 1117771” above and in front of the grip and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY” on the right of the dust cover. The right of the frame is marked “G.H.D.” above the trigger and “P” behind the magazine release. The left of the trigger guard is marked “K” and with “VP” in triangle, the right of the trigger guard is marked “70”. The top of the frame is marked “G”, “Y” and “B” behind the disconnector. The left of the barrel lug is marked “P” and the left of the chamber above the lug is marked “COLT 45 AUTO”, there is a small “F” on the bottom of the barrel forward of the link. The inside of the left grip panel has mold mark number “6” in the center of its reinforcing ribs, the right has “8”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with the rear face serrated. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered “Coltwood” plastic panels with large reinforcement rings at the grip screws and internal reinforcement ribs. The grips have only a few light marks, the most notable at the bottom. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, more gray immediately in front of the chamber. The rifling is sharp. There appears to be some light erosion in front of the chamber. This may prove to be stubborn fouling after a patient cleaning.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The slide has light finish wear on the top forward of the ejection port, at the leading edges forward of the dust cover and operational wear on the right forward of the dust cover with a few other scattered light marks. The frame has finish wear on the trigger guard, light handling wear on the frontstrap, light scratching under the slide stop and a line of wear on the right of the dust cover just below the flat. The barrel has some scattered spots of light surface oxidation on the outside with light operational wear in its blued finish. The controls show light operational and handling wear. The mainspring housing appears to be in the white. The screw heads have some finish loss and range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Most markings are clear and crisp, the Ordnance wheel is incomplete and the “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” marking is shallow and faint at the rear, deeper and stronger toward the front. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The trigger pull is crisp. There is a very slight side-side play between the slide and the frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. 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 total of one 7-round magazine. The magazine has light-moderate operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition.

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. This is a 1911-A1 pistol made by Colt in 1943 during WWII. The pistol has its original parkerized finish, proper markings and small parts for a 1943 vintage Colt and matching serial numbers on its slide and frame, all of which combine to make this a great pistol to add to a collection. It has a nice bore and strong mechanics, so it should also prove to be a good shooter. For the Colt or WWII firearms collector, this is a wonderful find. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible handgun CAN be transferred as a dealer sale in California and CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d at a California Firearms Dealer. This section does not apply to out of state residents.