Guns International #: 103301159

Category - Colt Pistols - 1911 - .45 ACP Pistols

Category
Colt Pistols - 1911
.45 ACP Pistols

Exceptional 1919 Colt Government Commercial Model 1911

Description:
Manufactured in 1919, this is a very fine example of a pre-World War II Commercial Colt Government Model pistol. The right side has the two-line, two-block address/patent dates separated by the Rampant Colt, and the right side has the caliber marking. The left side of the slide is also non-factory inscribed with "N.C.Longmire". The left side of the trigger guard is marked "VP" and "40". The right side of the frame has the correct Government Model marking over the serial number, the "4" being double stamped. It has the "old model" features including the long smooth trigger, wide checkered hammer, non-dished frame, and smooth flat mainspring housing with the lanyard loop. The barrel has a polished chamber and is unmarked. Fitted with diamond pattern checkered grips and an unmarked two-tone magazine.

Rating:  Very fine, retaining 90% plus of the original high polish blue finish with some scattered minor edge/handling wear revealing a smooth grey patina. The period, non-factory applied inscription is engraved through the finish. The grips are excellent with a few scattered blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This truly is an excellent surviror of over 100 years. Per notation with the pistol, it was completely disassembled and examined by noted 1911 expert Eric Gustafson who confirmed that the gun is completely original. More pictures on request.

The gun was shipped to the J.B.Shannon Hardware Company in Philadelphia on May 2, 1919 in a shipment of three guns, per the included Colt Archives letter. Nathan Chapman Longmire, Jr was born in 1885, registered for the draft in 1917 and purchased the pistol in 1919 after the war.  Longmire was employed by the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware, in the 1920's-30's. He registered for the draft again in 1942 and died in 1962. Listed in Delaware papers of the period as being part of the Wilmington Trapshooting Association. Engraving of his name was done by Shannon's in-house engraver. 

Handgun Caliber: .45
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government Commercial Model
Serial Number: C111408
Manufacture Date: April 21, 1919

Price: $3,990.00