Lot 1503: World War II 1941 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Pistol

Manufactured in 1941, the Robert Sears inspected Colts marked the transition point from Colt's high polish blue to the parkerization treatment that would become the standard for the rest of the war, with this example receiving the "brush" polish blue. Clawson's "Colt .45 Service Pistols: Models of 1911 and 1911A1" lists this pistol in a shipment of 3,150 pistols on 28 June 1941, on p. 396. The left side of the replacement slide (numbered "732945" under the firing pin stop, exactly one digit away from the frame number "732944") has the two-line, two-block, patent dates and address with the Rampant Colt between, and the right side of the slide is devoid of markings. The right side of the frame has the U.S. property marking, serial number, and model designation, with "69" on the trigger guard. The left side of the frame has the boxed "R.S." Robert Sears inspection mark, "P" proof, and "T" over "VP" proof on the trigger guard. The top of the slide also has a "P" proof. Fitted with blade and notch sights, wide checkered hammer, short checkered trigger, long grip safety, arched checkered mainspring housing with a lanyard loop, full blue barrel, and a full blue magazine marked "COLT/.45 AUTO." on the base.

Extremely fine, retains 90% plus of the original blue finish with some slight thinning on the top of the replacement slide (see above) and grip straps showing a smooth grey patina. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.