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Colt Model 1911 Automatic, Civilian Series
Model 1911 Automatic Pistol, Civilian Series. (Not illus., identical to Military Model.) Introduced in 1911 and still in production; total production of original serial range (through 1970) of C336169. Serial number prefix C denotes the Civilian Model.
45 ACP caliber. Magazine capacity of 7 shots. Barrel length 5".
Serial numbering began with C1 and continued through end of production of prefix C arms, in 1970; successor model not evaluated. Slide markings are quite varied, and best analyzed by reference to pages 432 and 433 of The Book of Colt Firearms. Basically, on right side of slide appears the caliber and COLT AUTOMATIC marking; on the left side patent dates (after c. 1938 dates no longer used in slide markings), and the Colt company name and Hartford address. GOVERNMENT MODEL on pistols post c. 1946.
Other than the world famous 45 Automatic profile, the quickest means of determining if a pistol is from the Model 1911 Civilian group is from the C serial number prefix. Because of the significant number of variants in both the Civilian and Military Model 1911 (and M1911A1) production, many collectors specialize only in the “Colt 45 Auto.” Its unique service record, hard-hitting ballistics, and world wide recognition contribute to the strong appeal of these arms in the collector market.
Major variations of the Civilian series are:
Early production model, having 1897, 1902, 1905, and 1911 patent dates in the slide markings (through serial range about C-4500):
| 5B-240 | Values—Very Good $550 | Exc. $1,750 |
Standard model pistols, within the serial range approximately C-4500 to C-130000; Model 1911 type with straight mainspring housing:
| 5B-241 | Values—Very Good $550 | Exc. $1,750 |
455 caliber British Contract pistol; bear serial numbers of own series (began with W10001, and continued through to over W21000). CALIBRE 455 on right side of slide; made in 1915 and 1916:
| 5B-242 | Values—Very Good $700 | Exc. $1,850 |
Scarce Russian order pistols with ANGLO ZAKAZIVAT (in Russian characters) marking; totaled about 14,500 arms in 45 ACP; within the serial numbers about C-50000 to C-85000:
| 5B-243 | Values—Very Good $2,500 | Exc. $6,000 |
Model 1911A1 pistols; began at the range of about C-130000; and are quickly identified by the arched mainspring housing:
| 5B-244 | Values—Very Good $550 | Exc. $1,250 |
Colt Model 1911 Automatic, Military Series
Model 1911 Automatic Pistol, Military Series. Manufactured 1912-57; in a total production of about 2,695,000. These pistols do not have the C serial prefix, as found in the Civilian arms.
45 ACP caliber. Magazine capacity of 7 shots. Barrel length 5".
Serial numbers classified into three basic groups, the major of which was the Colt factory and other contractors’ series in the range 1 - 2693613, the Remington-UMC production of 1 - 21676, and the government arsenal pistols (have X prefixes). Slide markings are somewhat involved, but subdivide into the following: On left side, first type with 1897, 1902, 1905 and 1911 patent dates, and Colt company name and Hartford address; the second type adding 1913 patent date, and continuing the Colt name and Hartford address; and the third type was a reorganization of the patent date markings and Colt-Hartford data of the second variation. Standard on right side of slides was MODEL OF 1911, followed by either U.S. ARMY or U.S. NAVY or U.S.M.C. (very rare markings). Note UNITED STATES PROPERTY standard frame marking.
Inspector markings: Pointed out under the variation categories detailed below.
No model of Colt handgun even approaches the total manufacturing run of the Model 1911 and M1911A1 Automatic pistols. Though the Single Action Army is every bit as famous, its total of 357,859 is paltry in comparison to the over 2,695,212 Military series pistols and over 336,000 Civilian arms. However, the purpose of the military series was decidedly for wartime use, and such service greatly reduced the proportion of arms surviving to the present in respectable condition. It is sometimes quite difficult to obtain fine conditioned specimens, despite the great numbers produced in most variations.
The major variants are as follows:
Model 1911 pistol made by Colt’s factory during World War I period, serial range from 1 to about 629500; JMG, WGP and GHS inspector markings; straight mainspring housing; blued finish. Serial numbers below 10000 add a premium:
| 5B-245 | Values—Very Good $650 | Exc. $1,800 |
5B-245
With U.S.N. markings:
| 5B-246 | Values—Very Good $1,200 | Exc. $3,000 |
Model 1911A1 pistol, by Colt’s factory; beginning in 1924; serial range 700001 - end of production (2380013); RS inspector markings; arched mainspring housing; Parkerized finish standard:
| 5B-247 | Values—Very Good $650 | Exc. $1,400 |
Same as above, with blued finish:
| 5B-247.5 | Values—Very Good $750 | Exc. $1,600 |
North American Arms Company series; quite a desirable variation, production was limited to about 100; bear company slide markings, with the serials on slide (WWI period):
| 5B-248 | Values—Very Good $8,500 | Exc. $25,000 |
Springfield Armory Model 1911 pistol; within serial range of 72751 - 133186; total of 25,767 produced; bear Colt and Springfield Armory markings, eagle motif and Ordnance Department flaming bomb on frame and slide. (Note: Approximately 100 made prior to World War I for sale through the Director of Civilian Marksmanship and bear N.R.A. markings on the frame near the serial number. Value approximately twice that shown here. Be wary of spurious specimens.):
| 5B-249 |
Values—Very Good
|