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 #70
  • Lot #2622
Lot #2621
Lot #2623

Lot 2622: Rare Early 1912 Manufacture Colt Government Model

Early Production Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Highly Desirable Three Digit Serial Number C685 and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Lot 2622: Rare Early 1912 Manufacture Colt Government Model

Early Production Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Highly Desirable Three Digit Serial Number C685 and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Estimated Price: $13,000 - $20,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Early Production Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Highly Desirable Three Digit Serial Number C685 and Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 45 ACP
Barrel: 5 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut checkered
Stock:
Item Views: 10557
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 292
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is a super early first year production Colt "Government Model" 1911 pistol manufactured in 1912. The factory letter confirms it shipped on September 6, 1912, in a shipment of four guns of this type to T.P. Davis Arms Company with a blue finish and 5 inch barrel chambered for .45 ACP. The grips were not listed, but they are standard. The letter also notes that the company may actually be the T. B. Davis Arms Company of Portland, Maine. They were arms wholesalers and distributors. These early Colt Government pistols in any condition are extremely difficult to obtain as they saw heavy use when first introduced. They were some of the best Colts ever produced given they had all hand fitted parts with a beautiful early Colt high polish commercial blue finish, niter blue small parts and fine checkered walnut grips. This example has all the early features such as: early style Colt slide markings, narrow rounded half-moon front sight, rounded rear sight with the small round sight cut, thin checkered thumb safety with the sharp edge, and milled undercuts and a early short checkered slide stop release. The right side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 45", and the left side has the early two-line, two-block markings of: "PATENTED APR.20, 1897/SEPT. 9, 1902/DEC.19, 1905. FEB.14, 1911" followed by "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." with the Rampant Colt behind the slide serrations. The front left side of the frame is marked with the very rare, early first style Colt serial number (C685) with serifs, and "GOVERNMENT MODEL" is on the right side of the frame. The left trigger guard bow is stamped with the Colt "VP/Triangle" proofmark, and a "K" is stamped on the lower left part of the trigger guard. It is fitted with its original Colt early production barrel that is stamped on the underside with only a "N" in front of the lug. This super early Colt is complete with an early type 2 "Punch and Saw Cut" half-blued magazine that has the early indent on the top right side feed lip. It still has the early double pinned baseplate with the lanyard loop on the underside. This is one of the earliest Colt Commercial Government Model pistols we have had the opportunity to offer for sale.

Rating Definition:

Very fine condition with 70% plus of the bright original blue finish showing wear, light scratches and minor wear overall with the majority of the blue loss on the front grip strap. The markings are clear and sharp. The grips are still in very fine condition with nice distinct/sharp checkering on both sides showing only minor handling marks in a couple areas. The various smaller parts (trigger, hammer, thumb safety and take down latch) still retain 85% plus of the bright original Colt high polish nitre blue finish. This is certainly one of the finest, very early production Colt government models we have offered for sale.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #211: Three Digit Serial Number Colt New Police Double Action Revolver

    Lot #502: Nighthawk Custom Upgraded Colt Government Model Pistol

    Lot #302: Engraved and Gold Plated Colt Government Model Pistol with Case

    Lot #496: Relief Engraved and Gold Plated Colt Government Model Pistol

    Lot #497: Colt MK IV Series 70 Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol

    Lot #707: Colt MK IV Series 80 Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol