CMP Rack Grade Ithaca 1911-A1 (Colt Slide) — .45 ACP 5” Semi-Auto Pistol (1943)
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $1,528.00
This CMP Rack Grade 1911-A1 is a historically significant WWII-era service pistol, built on an Ithaca Gun Company frame (1943) paired with a Colt-manufactured slide. Chambered in .45 ACP and fed by a removable magazine, this example has been rebuilt and fitted with a post-war chrome-lined barrel. While showing its service wear, it remains a strong, functional pistol with solid mechanics and excellent bore quality — an excellent representative of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Rack Grade releases.
Identification
MMA#: 250916SB001
Make: Ithaca Gun Co. frame, Colt slide
Model: 1911-A1, CMP Rack Grade
Serial Number: 1261240
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic, fed by detachable magazine
Barrel Length: 5” (chrome-lined post-war replacement)
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a short serrated ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch type dovetailed into the slide. These are standard military-style sights common to U.S. service 1911-A1 pistols.
Stock Configuration & Condition
Two-piece post-war replacement grips made of brown checkered plastic, with reinforcement rings at the screws and internal strengthening ribs. Minor nicks, compressions, and scratches are visible. Checkering shows some rub wear and flat spots but remains mostly strong.
Overall grip condition: Very Good Plus.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to parts, but not original to one another.
This pistol retains about 60% of its Parkerized finish, showing thinning and loss throughout with areas of oxidation and patina. Minor pitting and scattered marks appear on the frame and slide. The Ordnance wheel is lightly struck (typical for the period), and the right side of the slide bears the “J318” marking. Screw heads are tool-marked but serviceable, and the majority of markings remain legible.
Overall condition: Good.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Bright, sharp rifling, and free of erosion — rated 10/10 by the writer.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has not been test-fired by our team. As with all used firearms, a professional inspection and cleaning are recommended before use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included:
CMP-issued hard case
CMP Certificate of Authenticity
CMP manual
One post-war magazine
Our Assessment
The Colt 1911-A1 remains one of the most recognized and revered sidearms in American military history. Serving from 1911 through 1985, these pistols were carried in two World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. This example’s mixed Ithaca frame and Colt slide configuration reflects the post-war rebuilds often seen in arsenal-maintained service pistols and CMP releases.
While showing expected wear and a finish consistent with service use, this pistol features a bright chrome-lined bore, solid mechanical operation, and a mix of authentic U.S. military parts. It’s an excellent choice for collectors of military sidearms or anyone seeking a historically meaningful shooter with direct CMP provenance.
The Mt. McCoy Auctions Difference
At Mt. McCoy Auctions, we document every firearm with transparency, clarity, and precision. From detailed photography and research to verified auction representation, we handle every firearm — antique, collectible, or modern — with the same attention to history and accuracy.
Explore More:
