USMC Associated 1918 WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP PistolOur Assessment: This Model of 1911 was produced in September 1918 and shipped to the Bush Terminal in Brooklyn, New York, bound for the American expeditionary Force fighting in Europe. The shipment likely arrived just before the Armistice in early November, if it left port at all. That may explain why there is so much original finish left on this 105 year old service pistol, but it has one more mystery. The slide and frame are each marked with the enigmatic circled-"S" marking, frequently associated by collectors with R.F. Sedgley. Sedgley himself is best known for his work on M1903 rifles for the United States Marine Corps. These rifles received a very similar marking, and some collectors believe M1911 pistols with the circled-"S" marking are similarly associated with the USMC. In any case, this a nice 1911 that will add to any collection.
Make: Colt
Model: 1911 U.S. Army
Serial Number: 445723
Year of Manufacture: 1918
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 "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are double-diamond checkered walnut. The grips have some minor nicks and light handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is moderate erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas with some edge-thinning. There are scattered light nicks and scratches with infrequent minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good 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 7-round magazine and a Colt Archives letter.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS