Early Post-War Colt Government Model 1911A1, Blue 5″ Commercial Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1948 C&R

LSB#: 150730CW01

Make: Colt

Model: Government Model 1911A1

Serial Number: C234674

Year of Manufacture: 1948

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” and the right side is marked “COLT / AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .45” and with the Rampant Horse Logo. The barrel is marked only with a “B” in front of the lug. The left side of the trigger guard bow is marked “T” and with Colt’s Verified Proof Mark. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked “4”. The right side of the receiver is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL / C234674”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short serrated ramp sight. The rear sight is a square notched flat topped sight that is dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are WWII surplus checkered brown grips. Surplus or unused government parts were commonly used on post-war commercial guns. The grips remain quite sharp, with no cracks and very little wear or discoloration. There is a “1” on the inside of the left panel and a “12” on the inside of the right panel. The grips rate in about Fine + overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. A lot of original finish is retained, though there is finish loss to the front and back straps, as well as the right side of the frame at the grip safety. There is finish loss to the edges of the slide, with only light holster wear towards the front. There is also very light erosion on the front strap and back strap, though none severe enough to call pitting. The markings are sharp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to fulfill your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One factory magazine is provided and is marked “COLT / 45 AUTO”. This is a very sharp magazine, retaining about 90% original finish.

Our Assessment: There are a lot of variations for Colt’s Government model, all important for collectors, and all representing a different period of production. This gun is a fairly early Post-War commercial gun, manufactured partly with unused USGI parts. This gun shows USGI surplus grips, which are more than likely original to the gun. Likewise, the thumb safety is a military left-over checkered safety while the slide stop is serrated and the hammer is also one seen on military guns. In 1949, shortly after this gun was made, the C prefix became a C suffix. This is an honest gun with honest wear. It was likely owned by a returning soldier who loved his sidearm so much during the war that he made a Government Model his favorite range gun. There is finish loss on this gun, with only light erosion, but the parts are correct and there is still enough finish to appeal to collectors.

Early Post-War Colt Government Model 1911A1, Blue 5" Commercial Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1948 C&R
Early Post-War Colt Government Model 1911A1, Blue 5″ Commercial Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1948 C&R