Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army WWI 1917, Frame Only Blue Semi-Automatic Military Pistol, ATF Modern

SOLD FOR: $1,203.00
LSB#: 190313CD04

Make: Colt

Model: 1911

Serial Number: 145041

Year of Manufacture: 1917 – This pistol as a frame only is considered “Modern” by the ATF and is not C&R eligible.

Caliber: Originally .45 ACP, there is no barrel included with this frame.

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol Frame

Markings: The left side of the dust cover is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and there is a “GHS” in circle above the magazine release. The right of the frame is marked “No 145041” over the trigger. The top of the frame is marked “8”, “H” and “G” around the disconnector and there is a square mark to the front-right of the feed-ramp.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth bordered diamonds around the grip screws. There are approximately 15 checkers between the diamonds on each panel. The grips have light handling wear with a small loss at the top edge of the left panel just behind the diamond. Otherwise, there are only a few scattered light compressions and handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good-plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Overall Condition: This pistol frame retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The frame rails have light operational wear and there is operational wear from the slide stop (none included) as well as on the trigger and hammer, with little on the grip safety. There are infrequent spots of light surface oxidation and the frontstrap and trigger guard show handling wear which is starting to fill with a light patina. The grip safety and mainspring housing have lighter handling wear and there are some scattered light scratches and handling marks with tool marks at the safety-pin hole on the right-rear of the frame. The screw heads are sharp except for the top-left grip screw which is tool marked with a strong slot. This top-left grip screw is also seized to its bushing, turning the screw threads the bushing out of the frame rather than the screw out of the bushing. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol frame rates in about Very Good condition as missing its slide assembly.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. 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: None. Please note, this pistol frame does not come with a 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. This is a U. S. Government marked Colt 1911 frame made toward the end of WWI in 1917. The frame comes with its grips, safety, hammer, trigger and magazine release assemblies, but no slide assembly, magazine or slide stop. Retaining about 70% of its original blue finish and in good mechanical condition, this frame is in Very Good condition and could be combined with a WWI 1911 slide to complete a fine pistol for a U.S. small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun frame CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California but 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. This does not apply to out of state residents.