Colt M1911 U.S. Army, 1918 WWI Pistol — Rock Island Arsenal Rebuild (RIA FK), .45 ACP, 5 inch Barrel, 4 Magazines
This 1918 Colt M1911 U.S. Army pistol is a Rock Island Arsenal rebuild marked RIA FK, denoting inspection by Frank Krack between 1941 and 1946. It retains classic WWI-pattern features, government property markings, and period-correct slide legends, offering a documented service-history refresh with desirable U.S. military provenance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair - Showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Good - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The pistol shows scratches and blemishes throughout. It was factory refurbished at Rock Island Arsenal and bears RIA FK stamps below the serial number. There is finish wear on the grip frame.
What’s Included
- Colt M1911 U.S. Army pistol
- 4 steel single-stack 7-round magazines
- Nylon OWB holster
- Nylon triple magazine pouch with hook-and-loop flaps
Built in 1918 for the U.S. Army, this full-size Colt M1911 preserves hallmark WWI features: a long smooth trigger, flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, short grip-safety spur, and no relief cuts behind the trigger. The slide has rear serrations, a GI-pattern bushing and plug, and fixed small blade-and-notch sights.
The slide legend shows Colt Hartford markings with the Rampant Colt and patent dates from 1897-1913. U.S. military markings include UNITED STATES PROPERTY on the frame and a P proof on the top of the slide. These marks align with government acceptance and service use.
After its initial service life, the pistol was arsenal-refurbished at Rock Island Arsenal and is stamped RIA FK, indicating inspection by Frank Krack during the 1941-1946 period. This rebuild provenance is a key identifier for U.S. military-issue 1911s that were readied for continued service.
Construction is carbon steel for both frame and receiver, with checkered double-diamond walnut stocks and a wide-spur, checkered hammer. The pistol operates on a single-action, short-recoil system in .45 ACP with a 5 inch barrel and a 7+1 capacity, consistent with GI configuration.