1942 U.S. WWII Colt Model 1911A1 Documented Bringback
LSB#: 120807JO01
Make: Colt
Model: 1911A1
Serial Number: 833988
Year of Manufacture: Nov. 12, 1942
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Auto Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Patented Apr. 20, 1897 Sept. 9, 1902 / Sept. 19,1905 Feb. 14, 1907 Aug. 19, 1913”, the Rampant Colt Logo and “Colts PT. F.A. Mfg. Co. / Hartford, CT. U.S.A.”. (The Rampant Colt logo matches the Nov. ’42 variation shown on page 364 of “Colt 45 Service Pistols” by John Clawson.) The right side of the frame is marked “United States Property / No 833988” and M1911A1 U.S. Army”. The top of the frame (under the slide) in front of the hammer is marked with a “G” production order indicating 1938-1945 manufacture, and does NOT have the R.S. Provisional Ordinance Mark discontinued Oct. 1942. (per Clawson, pg. 368), further confirming the Nov. 12 manufacture date. The left side of the frame, just in front of the upper left corner of the grip panel is marked with a “WB” (Waldemar Broberg, Army Inspector of Ordinance Stamp, pg. 249 of Clawson) in a rectangle. The area in front of the trigger guard on the left side is marked with a “VP” proof stamp and above it a “1”. There is a “P” marked on the frame just behind the safety, on the left side. The rear under surface of the slide is marked “4” and “7” on the far rear next to the hammer slot. The barrel is marked “S” and “P” proof stamps on the left side of the lug and with a “PX4” Heat Lot just above it. Per page 371 of Clawson, this indicates a WWII until 1943 manufacture date of the barrel. The magazine is not marked but is pinned showing early WWII mfg. (Page 338 of Clawson).
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a rear U grooved sight dovetailed into the slide and a fixed blade front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are WWII “Sweetheart” grips. They are clear plastic with a paper panel underneath them. The grips have minor surface scratches on both sides. Both are discolored with age. Both panels have a Old English Style S’s. The “S” is obviouslt for the original ownder of this gun – Capt. John F. Schultz. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized with a Blued Safety
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is shallow. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The remaining surfaces show slight wear, especially on the edges and top of the slide. There are a few small spots of pinprick surface erosion on the safety. The area around the rear pin (behind and below the hammer) and the pin itself are marked. The knurling on the hammer and slide release are undamaged, but the safety shows wear. The slide properly shows the difference in color, from heat treating. This is a testament to the originality of the finish. Likewise, all the wear is honest use and carry wear. There is thinning at the leading edges from holster use and general wear from handling. This was a war used and carried service pistol. The Screw heads are undamaged. The markings are sharp and clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one original WWII magazine and copied documentation on Capt. James Schultz who carried this weapon while in combat all through Italy. Documentation provided includes copies of service records, discharge papers, various assignment and promotion paperwork. Our consignor states that this was his wife’s father’s pistol, James F. Schultz, and that the accompanying documentation is for this pistol and his grandfather. A notarized letter from Mr. Oddone is included stating the ownership history. Besides the notarized letter, all documentation is copied, the family kept the originals.
Our Assessment: This is an honest WWII, and early WWII Colt Model 1911-Aq. All parts are original, as is the finish and the gun shows everything a collector would like to see. Lore has it that the “Sweetheart” grips were hand-crafted during WWII from aircraft canopies and GIs would place photos of loved ones, pin-up girls, etc., behind the plastic to customize their pistols – thus the “sweetheart”. This pistol is a very nice looking and collectable 1911-A1, from Colt manufacturing and from early WWII. This is a documented bring back.
Sold for: $2,525
