WWI Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Navy — .45 ACP 5” Semi-Automatic Pistol (1912)
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $5,526.00
This Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Navy pistol is an early-production example from the first year of manufacture, produced in 1912 and shipped to the U.S. Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York. Representing one of the most historically significant military handguns ever adopted, this pistol reflects the formative period of the Model 1911’s service life, before America’s entry into World War I. While showing honest wear consistent with age and service, it remains a desirable and well-documented example of an early Navy contract 1911.
Identification
MMA#: 251003RS001
Make: Colt
Model: Model of 1911
Serial Number: 13271
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single-action semi-automatic pistol, detachable magazine fed
Barrel Length: 5 inches, Flannery Bolt Co. replacement
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a short, rounded blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a rounded-top “U” notch sight dovetailed into the slide, consistent with early 1911 production characteristics.
Stock Configuration & Condition
The pistol is fitted with double-diamond checkered wood grip panels. The grips show several compressions and nicks, most notably near the toe of the left panel. The checkering remains mostly strong. Overall grip condition: Fine.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
This pistol retains approximately 70% of its original blued finish. The United States property marking on the left side of the dust cover has been scraped off. There is finish wear along the edges, with areas of thinning and loss most pronounced on the grip frame. Scattered pitting, faint scabbing, and discoloration from previous oxidation are present, particularly on the grip frame. Additional nicks, scuffs, and hairline scratches are visible throughout. Markings remain clear, and screw heads are sharp to lightly tool-marked with strong slots. Overall condition: Very Good.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Gray with sharp rifling and scattered light pitting. Rated 7/10.
Mechanics: The grip safety is non-functional. Otherwise, the action functions correctly on inspection. The pistol has not been test-fired. Cleaning and inspection are recommended prior to use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Includes one 7-round magazine and a Colt factory letter.
Our Assessment
The Colt Model of 1911 stands as one of the most influential handgun designs in firearms history. Developed by John Moses Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, the pistol introduced design concepts that remain standard in modern semi-automatic handguns, including the slide, locked breech, and tilting barrel system. Its reputation for reliability and stopping power carried it through service in two World Wars and multiple later conflicts.
Early production pistols were shipped alternately to the U.S. Army and Navy, and this example was delivered in early November 1912 as part of the Navy’s initial contract. It exhibits several early features, including the square-edge thumb safety, undercut slide release, and small-radius firing pin plate. While the barrel and short guide rod are later WWI-era replacements, the pistol retains the character and configuration expected of an early Navy Model 1911.
U.S. Navy-marked Model 1911 pistols are among the most desirable of early production examples. This pistol comes from the final shipment of the Navy’s first order of 7,000 pistols completed in 1912, prior to additional deliveries in subsequent years. Retaining approximately 70% of its original finish and accompanied by a Colt letter, this example remains a strong candidate for a serious Colt or U.S. military handgun collection.
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