June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
In 1924, Colt sent 10,000 pistols to the Ordnance Department with several new changes resulting from complaints about the original Model 1911; the most distinguishing figure being the arched mainspring housing, which better filled the hand. These were the first pistols delivered to the US Army since 1919 and no others would be shipped until 1938. The Government stated through channels that these new pistols should be designated the A1 Models to differentiate them from the standard 1911, thus these were the first of the now famous 1911A1 pistols shipped to the United States Government. All correct features include flat top rear sight with radius corners, checkered wide spur hammer, checkered slide stop and safety, checkered arched mainspring housing with ring, new short checkered trigger. Right side of slide is still marked with the old stamp "MODEL OF 1911 US ARMY". Right side of slide has patent dates. Right side of frame is stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" with serial number. Left side of frame is stamped with the "WTG" initials in circle for Captain Walter T. Gorton who served from December 5th, 1921 to March 3rd, 1926. Comes with all blued pinned base magazine. Blued barrel is stamped "COLT .45 AUTO". As to condition, the slide has a couple of small storage marks and there is some thinning on grip safety, but this pistols appears to be nearly unfired. Retains fully 98% of its factory original finish. Nearly unimproveable transition 1911A1 US Army. From the G. Thomas Puett Collection.