WWI M1911 U.S. Army

[Steve1987]

Hi,

I haven't posted much lately from my collection but decided to share this WWI M1911 U.S. Army.

It's not 'mint' condition but these seldom are, and this one has held up rather well. The late war dull bluing used by Colt in 1918-1919 was of very poor quality and as if it's ready to just peel off if you look at it the wrong way. Collectors have termed these poorly blued military 1911's as 'black armies' based on the dark dull appearance. Most of the pistols now are more like 'grey armies' with no finish remaining. Those that still have original bluing have a course grainy appearance. I've seen many of these pistols chemically stripped, re-blued, or even cold blued by previous owners.





I've only owned a small handful of WWI M1911's in Canada. The Government models are somewhat more common, unlike in the U.S.

The Government Model 1911's from this time of production are much more attractive. But for some reason there's still something I like about the ugly 'black army' issued to American servicemen of the era.

Regards,
-Steve

 

[Garand]

Attractive pistol Steve, but face it there is nothing more beautiful than a "Canadian Contract" Colt from either WW1 or WW2

 

[Phat Eagle]

Beauty!

 

[mars2618]

Very nice!

 

[XRCD011]

Nice, thanks for posting.

 

[dauph197]

Attractive pistol Steve, but face it there is nothing more beautiful than a "Canadian Contract" Colt from either WW1 or WW2

How do we recognize "Canadian Contract" Colt from either WW1 or WW2? Were they made by Remington at this time?

 

[JerShadow]

Solid pistol. Historical background is so awesome

 

[SMcGeown]

Nice looking Colt Steve!

 

[Steve1987]

Thanks for your comments.

Is anyone else finding old 1911's lately?

-Steve

 

[joe n]

Just you Steve! Beautiful!!

 

[Loyer]

I am waiting for Elwood Epps to polish and blue a very pitted slide and receiver for me. It is marked .455 and looks to be one of the pistols sent to the RAF in WW1. I have been able to obtain all the correct parts except a .455 barrel and .455 magazine.

Mag will be easy but expensive but a barrel seems to be impossible. I'll post a photo when returned and assembled.