Synopsis:

Late Military Colt 1911A1, British Lend Lease, WWII, made in 1943 with extensive British proofing and correct magazine.

Description:

Standard configuration Colt 1911A1 pistol, .45ACP, with a 5” barrel, fixed front sight and drift adjustable rear sight. Left side of slide with usual two line address including the rampant Colt. Left frame with inspector marking by GDH. Right side of frame with “UNITED STATES PROPERTY M1911A1 U.S. ARMY” over the full serial number. Later applied British proofing on exposed barrel hood and right side of frame along with the usual reference “NOT ENGLISH MADE” and “RELEASED BRITISH GOVT. 1952”. Coarsely checkered Keyes grips with screw reinforcements. Magazine with floorplate marked “C-S” and electro-penciled marking that was subsequently scratched out.

Condition:

VG/EXC original parkerizing with sharp edge wear and frontstrap fading as one would expect from a holstered pistol that has seen moderate service use. The British proofing has clearly cut through the parkerized surface. Comparable condition salt blue on barrel. Excellent grips and magazine excepting the scratched out and well photographed markings on the floorplate. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. A very nice, original finish, and clearly marked Colt 1911A1 from 1943 with dramatic British proofing.