Colt M1911A1 .45 ACP – 1945, BRITISH LEND-LEASE, PROOFS, ORIGINAL FINISH, vintage firearms

Description:
General Specs: Colt, 1945, .45 ACP, 40oz., 5"
Serial Number:  2244864 

Vintage Firearms is pleased to offer this unique World War II Colt M1911A1 chambered in .45 ACP, manufactured in 1945 and later shipped to Great Britain under the Lend-Lease program. The John Browning designed Colt 1911 needs very little introduction. It is one of the most iconic pistols ever developed. It has travelled the world and fought numerous battles since its Army acceptance in 1911 and is still widely manufactured and copied today. But this example is special – this 1911 is a was sent to Great Britain during WWII under the Lend-Lease Act.
This pistol was manufactured by Colt in Hartford, Connecticut, in early 1945. It bears the expected Colt and U.S. military inspection features, including the VP and P proof marks, the inspector stamp of Guy H. Drewry (G.H.D.), the U.S. Ordnance crossed cannons, and the UNITED STATES PROPERTY marking. Later in 1945, it was shipped overseas to Great Britain for military use under the Lend-Lease program.

After the war, the pistol remained in British military possession until the government began releasing surplus arms. In 1952, it was stamped “RELEASED BRITISH GOVT. 1952.” Before entering civilian channels, it passed through the London Proof House, where it received London commercial proof marks and the “NOT ENGLISH MAKE” marking, confirming its foreign manufacture and legal release for sale or export.

Condition is a major highlight of this pistol. It retains 98% original factory finish on the frame and 97% original factory finish on the barrel. The barrel is High Standard barrel with London proof marks, which has an excellent bore. The pistol is fitted with Coltrock-type plastic grips, Type II, third variation, which have superb fit to the frame.

The original gray-green Parkerized finish is especially noteworthy. Many British Lend-Lease pistols saw heavy service, arsenal refinish, or post-war black enamel finishes, making an example that has escaped such treatment particularly appealing. Overall, this 1945 Colt M1911A1 is an exceptional addition to any World War II collection. Please review the detailed specifications and photographs below.


Barrels
Barrel Length:  5"
Bores:   excellent
% Blue:  97% parkerized
Sights: front post, rear U notch

Action
Action:  semi-auto
Receiver Condition:  98% parkerized
Screws:  excellent
Trigger Type: single-crisp
Trigger Guard Color:  98% parkerized

Stock
Type:  Coltrock type II, 3rd variation plastic grips
Checkering Condition:

Inquiries
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Payment and Shipping
Ways to Pay: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price reflects 3.5% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3.5% higher.)
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.
Sales Tax Collected: FL, MI, PA, TN
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $100.00 within continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK.
Item Condition: Used
Requires FFL?: Yes. C&R licenses accepted for shipping C&R eligible guns

Other
Terms of Purchase: Check your local and state laws before purchasing. It is the buyer’s responsibility to confirm his/her right to own the firearm or any item before purchasing.
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Handgun Caliber: .45 ACP (.45 Auto)

Price: $3,495.00