1913 Colt M1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP, Pre-A1 Features, Blued, 5 in Barrel
This 1913 Colt U.S. Army-contract M1911 is an early, pre-A1 example with the correct military markings and hallmark features from the original pattern. It carries the "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" slide legend, "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" frame marking, and a circular Ordnance inspector cartouche, paired with double-diamond walnut grips and a blued carbon-steel finish.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: This M1911 shows external scratches, scattered surface rust, and minor pitting consistent with age and service. The bore is mostly clean with very light pitting present.
What's Included
- Colt M1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP pistol (1913)
Produced in 1913 within the early U.S. Army contracts, this pistol retains the original-pattern details that define pre-A1 M1911s. The slide bears vertical rear serrations and an unlowered ejection port, and the frame lacks later trigger relief cuts. The military lineage is clear through its "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" marking and the circular inspector's cartouche on the left side of the frame.
The early feature set includes a long, smooth trigger, a flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and a short, wide spur hammer with checkering. Small fixed sights—a half-moon front and a small rear—sit over a 5 in barrel, consistent with the full-size 1911 format.
Construction is carbon steel throughout with a blued finish, complemented by checkered walnut double-diamond grip panels. The action follows the original design: single-action, short-recoil, locked-breech with a thumb safety.
Chambered in .45 ACP, this example is offered without a magazine as noted, and capacity is listed accordingly. Its combination of early markings and pre-A1 configuration aligns it squarely with 1913 U.S. military procurement standards.