1914 Colt M1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP, WWI Era, 5 inch Barrel, Blued, Double-Diamond Walnut Grips
This 1914 Colt M1911 U.S. Army contract pistol is a pre‑A1, WWI‑era example with the correct "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" slide legend and a patent line that includes the Aug. 19, 1913 date. It is a Government‑size, 5 inch .45 ACP pistol with classic early features such as small fixed sights, rear vertical cocking serrations, a lanyard loop on the flat mainspring housing, and double‑diamond checkered walnut grips.
It comes with two 7‑round magazines and a Plano pistol hard case.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Mild Fouling - Light buildup of fouling or dirt.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There is widespread pitting and surface blemishing throughout. The rifling is present and defined but shows blemishes.
What’s Included
- Plano pistol hard case
- Two 7-round single-stack steel magazines (no floorplate lanyard loop observed)
This U.S. Army contract Model of 1911 retains hallmark pre‑A1 attributes that collectors look for. The slide shows the "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" legend, and the patent legend includes the Aug. 19, 1913 date, aligning with its 1914 production.
Its Government‑size configuration with a 5 inch barrel and .45 ACP chambering reflects the original service pattern of the period.
The pistol features a blued carbon steel frame and slide, small fixed sights (half‑moon front blade and small rear notch), and rear vertical cocking serrations. The ejection port is the early narrow, non‑lowered type. Controls include a wide‑spur, checkered hammer; long, smooth trigger; checkered magazine release; and both thumb and grip safeties.
Early mechanical details include the early‑pattern barrel bushing and a checkered recoil spring plug. A lanyard loop is fitted to the flat mainspring housing, and the grips are double‑diamond checkered walnut—period‑correct features that define the M1911’s early service configuration.
Feeding is through detachable single‑stack 7‑round magazines, giving a 7+1 capacity. The pistol’s construction, features, and markings place it squarely in the WWI era, produced in the United States during 1914, making it a collectible example of the original M1911 pattern.