November 5th & 6th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2016
Manufactured 1940. Among the more desirable Colt military models, are those guns made prior to World War II with the pre-war features and an almost Commercial factory blue finish. The United States Government began re-arming the military Model 1911-A1 in 1937 after a 13 year hiatus. In 1937, a small batch was ordered for the United States Navy; no list of pistols ordered in 1938, although a few exist. The U.S. Army got their first real order in 1940, all based on the escalating violence in Europe. They were basically Commercial Model 1911-A1s with blued finish and all Commercial pre-war parts to include short checkered wide spur hammer, checkered arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, pre-war fully checkered walnut grips, checkered slide stop and safety, pre-war front and rear sight, short checkered hammer. Left side of frame is stamped with "C.S.R" (Charles Reed, August 1948 to December 1940). Right side of frame is stamped "United States Property M1911A1 U.S. Army". There is a "P" stamped below magazine release. Barrel is stamped "SP", which was a replacement barrel used from 1938 to 1940. Left side of slide has the pony in center of patent dates; right side is black. Includes two tone pre-war magazine. The front grip strap is a mix of blue-grey, there is also a hint of light muzzle wear, otherwise pistol retains 97% original factory blue. Fine bore and action. Extremely scarce and desirable blued pre-war U.S. Army pistol.