This item is an excellent condition very early model 1911, made by Colt and chambered in .45 ACP. This gun has quite a history to it, and one of the most interesting backstories that any gun could have, making it any collector’s dream. Originally manufactured in 1918, the words “United States Property” were stamped into the side of the frame of this gun and it was put into service during WWI. The fact that it was not manufactured and put into service until near the end of the war is likely one of the reasons that this gun is in such phenomenal shape for its age. Having already seen service during WWI, this gun was then issued to a tank commander during WWII. At some point during its service during WWII, this gun was ran over by a tank, possibly during a battle. This gun still retains the indention from being ran over by the tank tread. This indention is located on the rear grip safety of the gun. The gun was then salvaged, and sent to Augusta Arsenal for repair. Likely due to a shortage of parts, this Colt was then fitted with a Remington Rand slide and reissued to the same tank commander who had had it when it was damaged. Rather than being parkerized, as many repaired pistols during this time period were, the original finish was left untouched on the gun. The gun has “AA” stamped onto the side of the frame to show that the pistol was in fact repaired at Augusta Arsenal. The tank commander carried it for the remainder of the war, and then was able to bring it home after the war ended. This 1911 still has the original finish, original grips, and comes with an authentic WWII era magazine. The magazine has the letter "L" stamped onto the top of the base plate, which stands for Little Manufacturing Company, which was a company that subcontracted for Colt during WWII. All of the parts of the gun are free of rust or pitting, and also fit together very tightly. All parts of the gun are in such good shape that looking at this gun leaves one with no doubt that this gun would still function and fire like a dream come true. Amazingly, the bore condition is still at least 80%. This firearm comes with the original WWII era single sling dark leather shoulder holster worn by the tank commander who was issued this firearm. This Enger-Kress holster, manufactured in 1944, is right handed, and hooks to the wearer’s belt directly under the left arm. The words “KLIKIT PULL” are stamped into the latch of this holster. The letters “US” are stamped in large letters into the front of this holster, and the back is stamped with “US ENGER KRESS -44-“. This holster certainly shows signs of having been worn, however the holster has no tears, breaks, or stretches, and is certainly in much better shape than any holster of its age could be expected to be. This firearm alone is likely a once in a lifetime find, and the odds of finding both it and the intact holster are absolutely astronomical. With such a history, this firearm is truly a work of art, and nearly a priceless piece. We hope that you can find room in your collection for such an incredible piece of history.
