Colt M1911A1 U.S. Army 1943 .45ACP No Reserve

This 1943 Colt M1911A1 would be an excellent addition for collectors looking for a WWII era staple. This 1911-A1 wears the G.H.D. Inspection stamp which is the mark of Brigadier General Guy H. Drewry. Brigadier General Guy H. Drewry was the Army Inspector of Ordnance at the Springfield Ordnance District during WWII from June 17th, 1942, to July 15th, 1945. He is also known for major advancements and efficiencies with the war efforts of small arms production and development.  

This 1911A1 wears a parkerized finish that shows a mostly consistent finish throughout, noting some pitting and high edge silvering throughout. The silvering noted is in areas associated with common wear patterns and some holster wear.

The left side slide markings show crisp edges, Colts Patent dates can be read “PATENTED APR, 20, 1897 SEPT,9 1902 DEC,19,1905 FEB,14 1911, AUG, 19, 1913” Colts double lined address frames the right side of the rampant colt “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” On left bow of the trigger guard, you can see Colt’s “VP” mark, below a single “8”. Behind the trigger the above-mentioned horizontally stamped “G.H.D.” can be seen.

The right side of the M1911-A1 markings read “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” “No 883334” “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY” Behind the grip on the right side the Springfield ordnance “Crossed Canons” can be seen. Other markings on the gun include a “P” on the top of the slide in front of the rear sight, and a Scoville “S” on top of the toe of the magazine base plate. 

The muzzle shows some handling marks, along with high edge silvering. Pitting in the finish can be seen on the last inch of the slide towards the muzzle. The half-moon front sight has knicks in the lead edge. Silvering can be noted on the frame and dust cover. 

The grips show sharp checkering throughout with some minor handling marks near the magazine well. Both right and left sides show similar handling marks. The front strap is smooth with some thinning of the finish noted. 

Disassembled the internals show clean, and behind the hammer stop plate it noted the slide matched serial number can be seen clearly. The barrel wears the “G” right under the lug. The bore coloring is dull, but rifling shows strong distinct lines.