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Stunning Near New Early Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 1172 with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Semiautomatic Handguns Start Price:17,000.00 USD Estimated At:35,000.00 - 65,000.00 USD
Stunning Near New Early Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 1172 with Factory Letter
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Stunning Near New Early Colt Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Serial Number 1172 with Factory Letter

This extraordinary U.S. Colt Model 1911 Automatic Pistol includes the Colt factory letter that indicates it was part of a lot of 200 Model 1911 pistols shipped to the Springfield Armory on March 2, 1912. This pistol has the mirror-like blue commercial high polish finish on the slide, frame and major components. This finish was utilized on U.S. contract Model 1911 pistols until serial number 2,401 when the Chief of Ordnance directed Colt to utilize the more durable low luster blue on March 18, 1912. The small components including the trigger, slide stop, safety lock, hammer and magazine catch lock have the fiery niter blue finish used on Colt commercial handguns. The barrel is blue with the distinctive brushed finish on the top of the chamber. The grips are checkered oil finished walnut with diamond patterns surrounding the grip screws. The first style magazine has a two-tone finish. This pistol is in the original as issued configuration with the distinctive early production features that include: (1) rear sight with rounded top, (2) dimpled magazine catch lock, (which is extremely rare as approximately only the first 1,600 pistols were equipped with that configuration, with almost all later being replaced with the 2nd style), (3) second style hand checkered slide stop, (4) safety lock with thin thumb-piece, (5) short hammer, (6) early barrel with brush blue chamber and no horizontal "H" mark on the chamber lip and (7) first style two tone lanyard loop magazine with exposed pinned base. The left side of the frame is roll stamped with the small "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" adopted at serial number 104. The "WPG" final inspection monogram of Ordnance Inspector Major Walter J. Penfield is stamped on the left side of the frame above the magazine release. The first format serial number "No.1172" is stamped on the right side of the receiver in front of the trigger guard in Roman style (serifed) numerals. "MODEL 1911. U.S. ARMY" is roll-stamped on the right side of the slide. The left side of the slide is marked "PATENTED APR.20. 1897/SEPT.9.1902. DEC.19.1905. FEB.14. 911" in a two line block followed by "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO./HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A." in two lines. The circled Rampant Colt logo is stamped behind the serrations on the left side of the slide. A horizontal "H" provisional inspection mark is stamped on the rear of the slide above the firing pin stop. A horizontal number "3" is stamped under the barrel forward of the link.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: 1911
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1172

Excellent plus. This pistol retains 98% of the original high polish blue and fiery niter blue finish. The receiver has a single hairline takedown mark below the slide stop and some very minor thinning on the grip strap. The mainspring housing and the edges of the grip safety have traces of handling wear. The face of the trigger has dulled slightly but the fiery niter blue on the sides of the trigger, slide stop, safety lock, hammer and magazine catch are 98% or more. The barrel chamber retains at least 95% of the brush blue finish and the bore matches the overall condition of the gun. The grips are both excellent with a few flattened diamonds with the grip screws retaining traces of original niter blue finish. The rare first style magazine is in the same excellent plus condition as the pistol and retains 98% or more of the muted two-tone finish. All of the markings on the slide and frame are extremely crisp. This is the finest early production U.S. Colt Model 1911 Pistol ever offered for sale by the Rock Island Auction Company. This rare and exceptional pistol would be the centerpiece of the most advanced U.S. martial arms, Model 1911 or Colt collection.