Synopsis:

High condition, all matching, Colt 1911 pistol, brushed blue finish, James M. Gilbert inspected in 1918, 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 and sub-inspector H on top, no markings on either side of the lug, the H repeated on the back of the slide above the hammer and on top of the frame near the disconnector. JMG inspected frame. Dark walnut grips secured with two screws in the double diamond checkering pattern. Correct period military 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 blue finish with sharp edge wear, speckling, and thinning of front/back strap as carefully imaged. Comparable condition barrel, grips, and magazine. No suggestion of enhancement. Right bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. An attractive late war Colt 1911 pistol made in 1918.