3548

Excellent WWI U.S. Colt Model 1911 'Black Army' Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Excellent WWI U.S. Colt Model 1911 'Black Army' Semi-Automatic Pistol
This desirable U.S. Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol was manufactured in October 1918. The pistol has the distinctive blue-black, 'Black Army' finish adopted by Colt in mid-1918 to expedite production and is fitted with checkered walnut stocks. The pistol has a two-tone, flat base magazine and is complete with a WWI issued lanyard and a reproduction cardboard carton. The pistol has other late production features which include: (1) slide with second style recoil spring housing, (2) un-finished, heart-shaped, grip openings in the frame, (3) 1918 style safety lock with thick thumb piece, (4) model designation on the right side of the slide with larger, 7/64-inch letters, (5) conjoined "H/P" proof and inspection marks on the barrel chamber and (6) "Eagle's head/s17" inspection stamp on the left side of the frame above the magazine release. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped: "MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY" in 7/64-inch high letters. The left side of the slide has the two-line 1897-1913 patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt trademark and the two-line Hartford address. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame ahead of the trigger guard. An "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop and on the top of the frame in front of the disconnector hole. The serial number: "NO. 489759" is roll-stamped on the right side of the frame behind the slide stop hole. The right stock has very light checkering and partially cut-out diamond escutcheon surrounding the upper stock screw.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 489759


Excellent. The pistol retains approximately 98% of the correct original, factory 'Black Army' finish. The finish has some scattered flaking on the grip safety and the grip strap and there are some minor disassembly marks on the right side of the recoil spring housing. The barrel has about 95% of the original blue finish with some cycling wear on the chamber. All of the markings on the slide and frame are crisp. The stocks and stock screws have minimal wear; the partially cut checkering on the left stock is the result of factory production short-cuts. The magazine is in excellent condition with 95% of the two-tone finish. The lanyard and carton are in excellent condition. This is an excellent, original, example of a late production Colt 'Black Army' Model 1911 Automatic Pistol.