Colt M1911 WWI Commemorative “2nd Battle of the Marne” .45 ACP 1911 – Limited-Issue, Factory-Engraved, Royal Blue Finish
This Colt M1911 honors the pivotal Second Battle of the Marne with factory engraving, gold-filled roll markings, and a high-polish Royal Blue finish completed by the Colt Custom Shop. Produced in 1967 as part of a limited run of roughly 7,400–7,500 pistols, it features pre-Series 70 internals, forged carbon-steel construction, and smooth French holly grips inset with bronze medallions. Serial number 7089-M2 confirms its place in the commemorative block, marking it as a collectible Curio & Relic eligible sidearm.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling Condition: Excellent – Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Very light scuffing and minor blemishes are present, consistent with limited handling.
What’s Included
- Colt Government Model “2nd Battle of the Marne” pistol
- 1x 7-round factory Colt steel magazine with six witness holes
Limited to fewer than 7,500 units, this pistol represents one quarter of Colt’s four-gun World War I battle commemorative series. The right slide panel carries an engraved trench-warfare scene, while the left displays a gold-filled banner identifying the battle and commemorative status.
The Royal Blue finish, applied by the Colt Custom Shop, delivers a deep, high-polish luster rarely seen on standard-production Government Models. Forged carbon-steel frame and slide provide the classic weight and balance of a full-size 1911.
Smooth French holly hardwood grips are capped with bronze Colt medallions and a battle-specific plaque. A lanyard loop on the mainspring housing and vertical rear cocking serrations stay true to period features.
Mechanically, the pistol retains pre-Series 70 Government Model geometry with a single-action trigger, wide-spur checkered hammer, and fixed combat sights (serrated ramped blade front, square-notch rear). Chambered in .45 ACP, it feeds from a seven-round magazine.
With its factory engraving, limited production, and Curio & Relic status, this Marne commemorative stands out as a collectible yet fully functional Colt 1911.