1158 THE VERY FIRST COLT 1911A1 SEMI AUTO PISTOL FROM

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 7,500.00 USD
Estimated at 15,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
THE 1937 CONTRACT. SN 710001. Cal. 45ACP. There were very few 1911A1 pistols made in 1937, serial range 710001 (this example being THE VERY FIRST PISTOL)-712349, delivered to the military in three separate shipments. This example was part of the first shipment, leaving Colt for Springfield Armory on Jan 19, 1937, as part of a group of 200 guns. Interestingly, although all the 1937 production pistols had 1911A1 features, their slides were erroneously marked with the earlier 1911 designation. All were finished with a brushed blue military finish, their slides serial numbered under the firing pin retainer, and the top of the barrel chamber left bright- “COLT 45 AUTO” appearing on the left side. This standard configuration pistol has all the check marks. The left side of the slide has the usual two-line address reflecting the 1902 and 1913 patent years, rampant colt, and Colt’s address in Hartford, CT. The left upper trigger guard web with a serifed “H” over the verified proof mark. The right side of the slide has “MODEL OF 1911. U. S. ARMY”; the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” over “No 710001”; and there is a small inspection “60” on the right upper trigger guard web. Fitted with coarsely checkered walnut grips and a two-tone magazine marked “COLT/45 AUTO” on the flat floorplate. Disassembly shows the left side of the barrel chamber with “COLT 45 AUTO” and a “P” on the left side of the lug. The rear of the slide has the full SN 710/001 under the firing pin retainer, and the inspector initials R/ C are to the right of the disconnector. CONDITION: Professional restoration, with flat planes and super-crisp markings, that now appears virtually new. Comparable condition dark, sharply checkered grips. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. A super-hard to find production date for the serious collector of 1911A1 pistols! PROVENANCE: The Collection of Edward Scott Meadows. (24-1607/LA). CURIO. $15,000-30,000.