Synopsis:

Black Army Colt Model 1911 pistol, made in 1918 at end of WWI, with original magazine.

Description:

Colt Model 1911 U.S. Army pistol manufactured in 1918, placing it squarely within the World War I production period when these pistols first proved themselves in combat with American forces. Standard features include blade front sight and drift adjustable rear sight. The left side of the slide bears the correct two-line Colt address marking with patent dates (April 20, 1897, September 9, 1902, December 19, 1905, February 14, 1911, and August 19, 1913) referencing John Moses Browning's revolutionary design patents, along with "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." and U.S. property markings. The right side of the slide displays the proper military markings "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" with the serial number on the right frame. Colt barrel with small P on top, no markings on either side of the lug. JMG inspected. Brown walnut grips secured with two screws in the double diamond checkering pattern. Correct period military magazine two-toned magazine, with top half in the white. Other features include long smooth trigger, checkered hammer, and short grip safety, all characteristic of the late WW1 military Model 1911 pistols.

Condition:

VG+ bright original milled finish blue with sharp edge wear, speckling, and thinning of front/back strap as carefully imaged. Colt barrel with small P on top most often seen from production in 1916, but also correct in later years when primary inspector was absent. Grips and magazine in same general condition as pistol. Right bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. An attractive "Black Army" military Colt 1911 made in 1918.