*US Army Issue, WW2, Colt Semi Automatic Pistol M1911AI Military, 45cal, with Holster. 1945. Deactivated.*
The M1911 is a single-action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. It was designed by famous firearms inventor John Browning. The 1911 pistol allowed the U.S. forces to quickly reload and was a significant battlefield advantage. Following its success in trials, the Colt pistol was formally adopted by the Army on March 29, 1911, when it was designated “Model of 1911”, later changed in 1917 to “Model 1911”, and then “M1911” in the mid-1920s. The M1911 pistol emerged from WW1 with a reputation for being superior both to its predecessors in U.S. service and to sidearms then in use by other military forces around the world. John Browning’s design, with its large tolerances, was extremely reliable in the mud and dirt of the battlefield, and the effectiveness of its potent .45 ACP cartridge had proven itself in combat. Several modifications were incorporated into the frame, trigger, grip safety, and hammer of the original M1911 design. The improved pistol was adopted by the Army in 1923 as the M1911M1, changed to M1911A1 from 1926-1985 when it was replaced with the M9.
The serial number 2352979 dates pistol this as manufactured in 1945, Issue MODEL 1911A1 MILITARY. 45cal, 5″ barrel Length. The M1911and M1911A1 have the distinction of having served longer than any other military arm in the history of the United States. Although they remained the standard sidearm for U.S. forces until 1985, no additional examples were produced after 1945.
Stamped on frame “Patented Apr 20.1897. Sept 9.1892. Dec 19. 1905. Feb 14 1911. Aug 19. 1913. Followed by the Colt logo. Colt’s PT. F.A.MFG.Co. Hartford.CT. USA. On the other side: M1911 AI U.S. Army. United States Property. No 2352979. M1911AI U.S.Army.
The black leather holster is stamped with “US” on the front and on the reverse “Bolen Lea. Prod 7791466.” “B18” is written in white pen on the inside.
*Condition*
The gun is deactivated to old spec. The trigger cocks and fires. The magazine is removable. There is some minor scuffing to the chequered grip. This pistol and holster are in excellent condition for its age and usage. Please see pictures for detail as they form part of our condition report.
RQMBBOOXBGOO_8522137327
