Make: Colt
Model: 1911
Serial Number: 185981
Year of Manufacture: 1917 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup), Shipped October 10, 1917 to US Marine Corps Depot, Philadelphia, PA.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, the right of the frame is marked “No 185981”. The right side of the slide is marked “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. ARMY”. The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR.20.1897 SEPT.9.1902. / DEC.19.1905. FEB.14.1911. AUG.19.1913”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”, and behind the serrations with a circled Rampant Colt logo. The rear face of the slide is marked "H" (no serifs) above the firing pin plate and "Z" under the plate. The left side of the frame is marked behind the trigger with “GHS” in a circle. The top of the frame is marked "H", "G", and “G” at the disconnector. The top of the chamber is marked "P" and "H", the bottom of the barrel is marked "5" in front of the link-lugs.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short round blade fixed to the slide, the rear sight is a flat-top “U”-notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth “double diamonds” around the grip screws. The grips have some light nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are some scattered small nicks and scratches. There is a light "idiot mark" on the left of the frame under the slide stop. There is infrequent very faint surface oxidation. There are grind-marks on the barrel link. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are generally clear, the Rampant Colt is poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one original US WW1 Two Tone 7-round magazine. This classic Type IV 1911 magazine retains a great amount of the original “two tone” partially blued finish with a distinct temper line around the upper body.
Our Assessment: The Colt .45 semi-automatic pistol was designed by the legendary firearms inventor John Moses Browning, and developed for the US Army in 1911 after the .38 revolver failed to stop charging Moro warriors in the Philippines. The US Marine Corps also quickly adopted the Colt Model 1911, receiving their first shipment of 300 in May 1912, but the number of 1911s sent to the Corps was significantly less than the Navy, and far, far less than the Army. In fact, between May 1912 and December 1918, only some 9,950 Model 1911 pistols were shipped to the US Marine Corps, but the powerful .45 would see service with the “Devil Dogs” in the Great War. The US Marine Corps has always prided itself on being “first to fight”, and so it was that Marine units were sent to France as part of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division soon after America entered World War 1. Marine units were rushed forward to the Marne to staunch the great German spring offensive in 1918. They passed columns of defeated French troops streaming rearward as the Marines headed towards the front. The dispirited French called out to the Marines- "Le guerre est fini"- ("the war is over, finished"). The Marines called back -"Pas Fini"- ("it's NOT over"). The Marines stopped the Germans cold in the ensuing Battle of Belleau Wood, and then began to turn the tide at Chateau-Thierry. The Leathernecks’ stand at Belleau Wood is considered one of the crowning feats of arms in the long, storied, and proud history of the US Marine Corps. This particular Colt Model 1911 is a rare, documented USMC WW1 .45, distinguished as such by its serial number range, and was sent to the Marine Corps Depot at 1100 Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA in a shipment of 400 pistols on October 10, 1917, some 6 months after America entered WW1. Marine Corps 1911s did not receive any special markings, but they can easily be identified by their serial number range. Most USMC Model 1911s saw extensive service, and are thus frequently found having been arsenal refurbished. This example is in extraordinary, original condition. It features 95% of its original, lustrous blued finish, a decent bore, and strong mechanics. This USMC WW1 Colt Model 1911 is sure to take a prized place in a martial arms or Marine Corps collection, and is a great piece from the “Old Corps in the Great War”.
Pistol