Colt M1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP, 1914 WWI Contract, 5 inch, Pre-A1 Configuration
This 1914-produced Colt M1911 is a U.S. Army contract pistol in .45 ACP with the correct "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" slide legend and "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" frame marking. It is a pre‑A1 configuration with hallmark early features including a long smooth trigger, short grip‑safety tang, flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and period double‑diamond walnut grips. Small fixed sights, rear‑only vertical slide serrations, and an early pattern checkered recoil spring plug round out its WWI-era profile.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The pistol has an aftermarket finish with small holster-wear marks on the slide.
What’s Included
- Colt M1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP pistol (1914)
- 1x 7-round steel single-stack magazine with witness holes and pinned lanyard-loop floorplate (early M1911 pattern)
Built in the United States during the WWI era, this government-size M1911 retains correct early markings and acceptance features, including a circled U.S. inspector acceptance monogram and "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the frame. The slide carries the "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" legend consistent with 1914 U.S. military contract production.
Its pre‑A1 format is intact: a long, smooth-face trigger, short grip‑safety tang, flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and a wide spur, checkered hammer. The pistol operates via a single-action, short‑recoil, locked‑breech system with manual thumb safety and grip safety.
The 5 inch barrel, small fixed sights with half‑moon front, and rear‑only vertical slide serrations reflect the original early pattern. The ejection port remains the narrow, unmodified style of the period. Construction is carbon steel with a blued finish.
Period details include double‑diamond walnut grip panels and an early pattern checkered recoil spring plug. The included steel magazine is the correct early style with a pinned lanyard‑loop floorplate to match the frame’s lanyard loop, providing the standard 7+1 capacity.