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

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:275.00 USD Estimated At:700.00 - 900.00 USD
WWI U.S. Colt Model 1911 'Black Army' Semi-Automatic Pistol
This is an example of late WWI Model 1911 pistol as manufactured by Colt in 1918. The pistol is one of the often called "Black Army" pistols because of the coarse wartime finish that appears almost black. These pistols were found starting at about serial number 375000 and ran until the end of production of the 1911. The left side of the slide has the two-line, two-block markings of: "PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. SEPT. 9, 1902 / DEC.19, 1905. FEB.14, 1911. AUG.19, 1913", followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." in the second block, with the Rampant Colt logo in the middle of the markings. The right side has the single line marking of "MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY". The frame is absent of the U.S. property marking and the serial number is marked on the right side of the frame. The "eagle head / S8" proof is marked above the magazine release and "49" is marked on the lower rear, left side of the trigger guard bow. Replacement barrel, blue with a bright chamber and the frame has the checkered slide stop, thumb safety, magazine release and wide spur hammer, flat main spring housing with a lanyard ring on the heel, and a blue unmarked magazine. Fitted with checkered walnut grips with diamond pattern around the screws.
BBL: 5 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 445246
Condition: Refinished with 99% of the dull blue finish remaining. There are a few small areas of minor pitting under the finish. The grips have been freshened with a coat of varnish and remain very good with some minor bruising of the, otherwise crisp checkering, and some minor dings and dents. The markings are clear. The action is fine.