Colt Government Model World War I 50th Anniversary Commemorative 1911, Château-Thierry Edition, .45 ACP, 1967
Built in 1967 by the Colt Custom Shop, this full-size Government Model celebrates the 50th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I. One of only 7,400 Château-Thierry pistols, it carries factory gold-filled roll engraving, high-polish Colt blue finish, and a serial suffix “-CT” that ties it to the Battle of Château-Thierry. The pistol retains desirable pre-Series 70 features and comes with its original commemorative display case and magazine.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The high-polish blue surfaces show minor scratches, small blemishes, and light, isolated pitting. Walnut grips display slight handling marks. The factory commemorative display case is broken and missing its glass panel, but still accompanies the pistol.
What’s Included
- Colt Government Model Château-Thierry Edition pistol
- 1 x 7-round steel magazine
- Factory commemorative display case (Battle of Château-Thierry) – damaged, glass absent
- Original Colt outer case
This pistol is part of Colt’s four-gun World War I commemorative series and represents the earliest factory-engraved limited-edition 1911 from Colt. The left side of the slide features a full-length Château-Thierry battle scene, while the right side bears the gold Rampant Colt logo and the inscription “1917 WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIVE 1967.”
The carbon-steel frame and slide wear a deep, high-polish Colt blue finish that contrasts sharply with the gold-filled engraving. A wide-spur hammer, long smooth trigger, and flat mainspring housing reflect the classic pre-Series 70 configuration collectors value.
Double-diamond checkered walnut grips hold bronze medallions depicting the U.S. Victory Medal and a Château-Thierry plaque, tying the pistol’s appearance to its historic theme. Fixed G.I.-style sights, including a half-moon front blade and dovetailed rear notch, keep the external profile faithful to the wartime M1911.
With its limited production run, matching “-CT” serial suffix, and factory presentation, this Colt offers a documented link to one of the defining battles of World War I and a notable milestone in Colt’s commemorative history.