Colt M1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP, 1918 WWI, Pre-A1, 5 in Barrel, Blued, U.S. Property Marked
This 1918 Colt M1911 U.S. Army is a World War I–era, pre-A1 configuration pistol with period-correct military markings and features. It carries "MODEL OF 1911, U.S. ARMY" on the right side of the slide and "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the left side of the frame, along with a late-WWI Ordnance eagle-head acceptance stamp. The barrel is marked on top with separated "H" and "P" stamps.
It retains its small fixed sights and blued carbon-steel construction. Replacement checkered wood grips with Colt medallions are installed.
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 Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in great shape. There is widespread finish wear and patina, and pitting is present. The left grip panel's lower screw is extruding from the frame and does not tighten; however, both grips remain well retained to the pistol. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- 1x 7-round magazine
- Installed checkered wood grip panels with Colt medallions
Built during WWI in 1918, this U.S. Army–marked Colt M1911 reflects the pre-A1 pattern with a long trigger, short-tang grip safety, flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and no frame relief cuts. These early features, combined with military acceptance and property markings, place it squarely in its period of service.
The right side of the slide is marked "MODEL OF 1911, U.S. ARMY," while the frame bears "UNITED STATES PROPERTY." A late-WWI Ordnance eagle-head acceptance stamp is present, and the barrel top shows separated "H" and "P" proofs—details that align with 1918 production.
It retains small fixed sights, including a half-moon front blade and U-notch rear. The slide has vertical rear serrations, and controls are checkered, including the wide-spur hammer, recoil spring plug, and magazine release. The pistol operates on a single-action, short-recoil, tilting-barrel system.
The frame and slide are blued carbon steel. Replacement checkered wood grips with Colt medallions (commercial-style) are installed. A 7-round magazine is included.