Rare Philippine Shipment 1917 WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP Pistol
Our Assessment: This a fine example of a 1917 vintage Model of 1911, produced just after America declared war on Germany and officially entered the Great War. The pistol's condition and original finish would have any collector take notice on its own, but it is also one of only 1,000 pistols shipped directly to the Commanding Officer, Ordnance Depot, Manila in the Philippines on April 18. This not only adds rarity, but the pistol's condition is even more impressive, having been shipped all the way around the world and arriving here in 2024 looking this good!
Make: Colt
Model: Model of 1911 U.S. Army
Serial Number: 144086
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered double-diamond walnut stocks. The grips have minor handling wear with a few nicks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. wear. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly and the rifling is sharp. There is some minor erosion in the bore just in front of the chamber. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas with some scattered more minor wear. The finish is thinning at most edges with scattered minor nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear and there is infrequent faint surface oxidation. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine 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 a single two-tone magazine.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS