Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #46
  • Lot #3850
Lot #3849
Lot #3851

Lot 3850: Colt 1911A1 Pistol 45 ACP

Outstanding One of a Kind U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 "Nickel" Plated Pistol with Factory Letter and Shipping Box

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 25, 2009

Lot 3850: Colt 1911A1 Pistol 45 ACP

Outstanding One of a Kind U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 "Nickel" Plated Pistol with Factory Letter and Shipping Box

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 25, 2009

Estimated Price: $12,000 - $15,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Outstanding One of a Kind U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 "Nickel" Plated Pistol with Factory Letter and Shipping Box

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1911A1
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 45 ACP
Barrel: 5 inch round
Finish: Nickel Plate
Grip: brown plastic checkered
Stock:
Item Views: 3822
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 327
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is another example of a super rare and probably one of a kind U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 pistol. This pistol was the subject of an article in the Gun Report (pages of the magazine included with lot) which indicated that this pistol may have been one of two that were produced as test guns with a non-parkerized finish. The other pistol also being a Model 1911A1 (SN 1113488) which was finished in chrome plate and was shipped to Col Volberg. Colt's ledgers list this pistol three times; 1) loaned to L.C. Davis, Main Office, Colt Firearms Nov 1945, 2) loaned to Murta Appleton and Co. Phila PA. 6 March 1946, returned 21 March 1946 and then 3) 4 June 1946 sold/charged to Arms Selling Expense. Lt Col. F. Marshall Volberg, Chief of the Ordnance Dept. Wash DC in June 1946. This pistol was produced in approximately 1943 and has the full slide and frame military markings. The left side of the slide is marked with the two line, two block Colt patent / address markings along with the Rampant Colt in the middle of the markings with the "P" proof on top of the slide in front of the rear sight. The right side of the frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" over "No. 1113489" and the front end is marked "M1911A1 U.S. ARMY". The left side of the frame is stamped with only the a single "P" proof next to the magazine release button. There are no final US Government acceptance proofs on the pistol. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a "R" over the triangle "VP" proof and the number 73 on the right. The barrel is marked with only "45 AUTO" on the left side. It has the wide Colt hammer with checkered spur, checkered arched mainspring housing, slide stop and thumb safety. The grips are the late WWII brown plastic checkered versions with the large ring around the screws and a single mold number on the inside. The magazine is the correct nickel plated version that is marked "COLT 45 AUTO" on the base plate. It is complete with a original wartime Kraft cardboard shipping box without any markings.

Rating Definition:

Excellent plus with 99.9% of the original Colt factory nickel plated finish with just a slight rub mark on the very top of the barrel from cycling the action once or twice. The grips are also excellent plus. The box is in very fine condition. A fantastic, "one of a kind" U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 with factory documentation.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #732: U.S. Ithaca/Colt 1911A1 Pistol with Belt Rig, Extra Magazines

    Lot #238: U.S. Remington-Rand 1911A1 Pistol with 22LR Conversion, Holster

    Lot #105: Civil War Era Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Factory Letter

    Lot #986: Auto Ordnance Model 1911A1 U.S. Army Semi-Automatic Pistol

    Lot #485: AR Sales Company 1911A1 Pistol with Holster and Belt

    Lot #273: U.S. Springfield Armory/Colt/Remington-UMC Model 1911 Pistol