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  • Auction Catalog #73
  • Lot #1569
Lot #1568
Lot #1570

Lot 1569: Early Colt - 1911 Government Model

Exceptional Early 1914 Manufacture Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 14, 2018

Lot 1569: Early Colt - 1911 Government Model

Exceptional Early 1914 Manufacture Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 14, 2018

Estimated Price: $6,500 - $9,500
Price Realized:
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Exceptional Early 1914 Manufacture Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 45 ACP
Barrel: 5 inch round
Finish: high polish blue
Grip: walnut checkered
Stock:
Item Views: 13212
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 261
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This is an exceptional example of an early all original, Colt "Government Model" 1911 pistol that was manufactured in early 1914. These early Colt Government pistols are difficult to find in any condition much less one in this outstanding condition, as they saw heavy use by law enforcement officers who were eager to use the new larger 45 ACP cartridge. They are some of the finest Colt 1911 type pistols ever produced as they had hand fitted parts with a beautiful early Colt high polish commercial blue finish with a niter blue finish on the small parts. They were fitted with beautiful fine checkered walnut grips just like the military models. They have the early desirable features such as: early second style Colt slide markings with the 1911 patent date with the "uncircled" Rampant Colt logo behind the slide serrations, the thin/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 the 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 noted "uncircled" Rampant Colt logo behind the slide serrations. The right side of the frame behind the take down pin is marked with the early small, block style Colt serial number (C5635) with the serifs on the letter "C". This example also has the early frame change where the "GOVERNMENT MODEL" markings are on the right side above the serial number. The left trigger guard bow is stamped with the Colt "VP/Triangle" proofmark, with the Colt inspector initial "R" stamped on the lower, left, rear part of the trigger guard. It is fitted with its original, early all blued Colt barrel that is stamped with only a single capital "M" on the underside in front of the lug. This is correct for these early Colt automatics as no other company was manufacturing a Model 1911 pistol. This pistol is complete with an early half-blued magazine with the lanyard loop on the underside of the double pinned baseplate. These original early Colt magazines alone are scarce.

Rating Definition:

Excellent with 95% plus of the bright original early Colt factory high polish blue finish overall with minor edge and high spot wear on the slides with some light blue thinning and minor scratches on the front and rear grip straps. The right side of the slide also has some minor light, small scratches on the slide from being in a holster. The grips are also excellent with nice sharp and distinct checkering on both sides with nice sharp diamonds with some minor handling marks on the large diamonds.



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