Colt Government Model 1911A1 W/ .22lr Conversion Kit

This 1948 Colt Government Model pistol is offered with a .22Lr conversion kit. A high-condition example of the included items if it was purchased as a set in 1948. This Colt Government Model is a semi-automatic pistol, chambered in .45 ACP, assembled and finished in both pre-war and post-war era parts: plastic grips, thumb safety, grip safety, both sights, and hammer. The commercial version of the Colt 1911A1 would see a few more stylistic changes in the coming years due to Colt running out of wartime parts. This pistol is a fine example of the saying that “Colt never threw anything away”.  This pistol’s high condition and minimal wear suggests it has been meticulously cared for over the years. 

This government model is finished in blue, and under white light shows mirror like throughout the slide and the frame. Minor superficial handling marks can be noted, but don’t detract from the overall display of the firearm. One of the updates noted on this 1948 government model is the slide change from the earlier post-war models is the single address line on the left side of the slide. The matte finish was also a noted change and can be seen on the top of the slide, front strap, and back strap.  

The leading edges of this pistol are sharp and show no noticeable wear in the finish. The muzzle shows no handling marks. There is a spot of minimal patterned surface abrasion noted on the lower matte finish location of the frame in front of the trigger guard, and what looks like a cycling mark on the dust cover in front of it. The barrel also shows bright condition with strong sharp lands and grooves. 

The markings throughout can be read clearly. On the right side of the slide “COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .45” framed left to the stamp of the rampant Colt. On the right side of the frame “GOVERNMENT MODEL” over the serial number “C233667”. On the left side of the slide the single address line “COLTS MFG CO HARTFORD CT U.S.A.” This was an updated slide marking for the new post-war production of the Government model, that had commenced in 1946. An Inspection mark “T” can be seen on the right bow of the trigger guard above the “VP” Verified Proof mark. 

The plastic grips noted above can be seen in pre-war era guns and are in excellent condition.  The checkering is sharp throughout both right and left sides, no cracking or detractions noted. The screw heads add to the guns display with sharp edges throughout the gun.  The front strap shows some surface abrasion near the mag well. Similar marks can be noted on the front of the trigger guard. 

The magazine is blue in finish and shows sharp edges and standard silvering from removal, the baseplate reads easily “COLT .45 AUTO”. The butt and the arched mainspring housing of the gun are in excellent condition and shows straight lines leading up to the grip safety. 

Included in the sale is a factory .22LR conversion kit, which shows minimal wear, oiling and storage marks can be seen on the slide along with some surface rust on some of the small parts.  The kit consists of a slide, 22LR barrel, recoil spring, slide stop, 22LR magazine and extractor.