WWI era Colt Model 1911

[martin08]

An exceptional original Colt M1911 rig had been at a not so local shop for a couple of months, priced steep with no wiggle room, and I would go 40 miles out of my way a few times just to drool and dream.

Finally, I just decided to sell off one of my North Korean SKSs to fund the 1917 serialed Colt. The shop owner kindly held it for me until the auction finished. The pistol came with a belt, holster, lanyard, two mag pouches, two unopened WWI boxes of ammo, and an M17 trench knife with scabbard.

Got it home today. More detailed pics tomorrow, and thanks for looking

 

[JuergenG]

Very nice, congratulations!
Unfortunately my 1918 serialed M1911 has been messed with over the course of her long service life.

 

[martin08]

Here are some detailed pics.

 

[PL-52]

Very nice ! Congrats.

 

[jason19711971]

 

[NHCraigT]

Wow = Thats an Impressive Group!

Great Historical Purchase. Enjoy it and thanks for posting pics of everything.

 

[Penniepup1]

Beautiful!

 

[dhuze]

That is a very nice looking Colt. I never see the trench knives with a scabbard.

Very nice, congratulations!
Unfortunately my 1918 serialed M1911 has been messed with over the course of her long service life.

This is my messed with 1918 M1911. I have the original internals.

 

[BriMac]

Great photos and gun. You do find some nice stuff .

 

[magoo]

I have a Colt remade one from Colt they made a few years ago great shooting 1911

 

[NinerMaine]

Good decision Matt. I am glad someone I know bought it. It gives me a chance to see it again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[45collector]

That is one pristine looking wartime gun. Very very nice.
Soooo... will you shoot it?

 

[Picton]

That's an incredible group.

I'd shoot it; one mag, just because I won't own guns I haven't shot. But that is gorgeous.

 

[martin08]

I've long passed the stage where I have to shoot everything. This one will remain as a collectible. But I do understand the temptation!

Here are some pics with a background which my camera's color meter likes. They are the best depictions of the actual appearance.

 

[majspud]

Mine is a little older (delivered to Springfield 11/27/17) and looks positively decrepit next to yours. Mine went through two World Wars (Colt "G" barrel 1937-1942), and possibly beyond. Yours looks like it occasionally went into a holster. True collector piece.

congrats.

I was going to shoot a rifle today, but I haven't shot this one in about two years, so I thought I might....

t

 

[majspud]

Since Martin08 won't shoot his, I shot mine in honor of its 100th birthday. 65 rounds of WWB at 45 size 11 footprints from the target (get it, 45?). Lots of fun, but I think I like my 3/1918 M17 S/W just a little better.

Took me a few minute to figure out how to take it apart to clean it. I did shoot the spring retainer off the ceiling the first time as the catch wasn't engaged score turning!

T

 

[martin08]

Thanks for the surrogate range session. My pistol feels better now.



Performed a few 'upgrades' on the rig.

1. Swapped the olive drab pistol belt with a khaki weave with unfinished brass hardware.
2. Gave the trench knife scabbard a place to hang on a pre-1912 Mills khaki rifle ammo belt with Eagle snaps.
3. Traded the LF&C trench knife for one in much better finish condition.
4. Added a leather mag pouch marked, QMC JEFF. 1922 HEK. I know that it's post-war, and meant to be used with a leather belt/harness, but it is not often seen and really cool.
5. Gave the pistol a detail strip, clean and lube. Can't really see that work once it is reassembled, but I feel better about it. Note: No appreciable internal wear on this puppy.

 

[Picton]

Up until now, I never realized the pyramids on the knucklebow were hollow. I always assumed they were milled.

You learn something new every day.

 

[JuergenG]

Mine is a little older (delivered to Springfield 11/27/17) and looks positively decrepit next to yours. Mine went through two World Wars (Colt "G" barrel 1937-1942), and possibly beyond. Yours looks like it occasionally went into a holster. True collector piece.

congrats.

I was going to shoot a rifle today, but I haven't shot this one in about two years, so I thought I might....

t

Of mine only the frame # 448985 is remaining, now fitted with a Mk. IV 70 series slide. The mainspring housing has been replaced by an A1-style somewhen during her long service life. The most valuable accessory that came with it is a Colt .22 Conversion Unit.

 

[Mountain]

Very, very nice! Can't blame you at all for keeping that one as a collector piece. You are welcome to shoot my R1 anytime. If you squint your eyes a lot, it's almost like the real thing, LOL. Maybe not...