Attractive 4-Digit 1912 Production WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Navy .45 ACP Pistol
Our Assessment: This a nice find for 1911 collectors, a 1912 produced U.S. Navy model, shipped to the Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York on October 5. It has a host of early features including a round-top rear sight, long-leg guide rod, steep-radius firing pin plate, mainspring pin with one convex end, recoil spring plug without a punch, and a "keyhole" magazine. The pistol retains much of its original finish and strong mechanics. Of the hundreds of thousands of 1911s produced, only 13,500 would have "NAVY" marked slides with the later Navy issued pistols marked "ARMY". Due in no small part to their typical issue and use being near salt water, few of the remaining Navy pistols are in this high condition. It will make a fine addition to any 1911 collection.
Make: Colt
Model: Model of 1911 U.S. Navy
Serial Number: 6737
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered double-diamond walnut stocks. The grips show light wear with tool marks around the screws and a few nicks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light-moderate erosion and some light pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. Most notable wear is in the front strap, trigger guard, and sides of the dust cover. The finish is thinning at edges and there is some other scattered minor wear. There are scattered minor nicks and scratches and some faint surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one punch and saw-cut "keyhole" magazine with lanyard loop floorplate.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS