Colt Automatic Pistol and Revolver Information - 25 years of Service to Colt Firearms Collectors

COLT MODELS

 

 

Colt Model 1911A1 U.S. Army .45 ACP - Serial Number 700001, The First 1911 to 1911A1 Transition Model

Private collection

Colt Model 1911A1 Transition Model Serial Number 700001 - On June 12, 1923, Colt's was awarded the contract to manufacture 10,000 "Improved Automatic Pistols" to include the modifications that were approved on April 20, 1923.  These pistols were numbered from serial number 700001 to 710000.  This is the first of the 10,000 transition models.

Close-up of left side slide markings.  WTG inspector's mark is located above the magazine release.

MODIFICATIONS ADOPTED FOR THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER .45 M1911

MODIFICATIONS

A - Tang of Grip Safety Extended.
B - Clearance Cut Made on Receiver.
C - Mainspring Housing Knurled and Raised.
D - Face of Trigger Knurled and Cut Back.
E - Width of Front Sight Increased.

Image from ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER .45, MODEL OF 1911.
Training Regulations 320-15. (1-2), War Department, Washington, March 3, 1924.

Close-up of serial number and United States Property mark on the right side of the frame.

Slide is numbered 700001 to match the frame.  This was done on only the earliest examples.

Colt assembler's mark number 20 on upper right flat of the trigger guard.

Right profile.  Note "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" marking on the right side of the slide. Fully checkered walnut grips (28 rows +/- 1 between screw holes)

WTG inspector's mark are the initials of Captain Walter T. Gorton, Inspector of Ordnance from December 5, 1921 to March 3, 1926.  H and G on top of frame, 20 on right trigger guard, H above firing pin stop plate, G inside slide.

Gun of the Month


January 2022


Contact Us


 



Home | Wants | Gun of the Month | Historical Info | Instruction Sheets
Site Search| Online Bookstore | Colt Care | Links

Questions / Comments? Contact Us!
 

The Rampant Horse and Colt logos are registered
trademarks of Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc. Hartford, CT

Copyright © 1996 - 2024 by Coltautos.com. All rights reserved.
Please read our online Privacy Statement
The Coltautos.com logos and all proprietary artwork and photos are the property of Coltautos.com and may not be reproduced or distributed without expressed written permission.