Scarce Colt 1911 - British Royal Air Force

Description

2/7/25 - This is a desirable example of a British Contract Colt Government Model semi-automatic pistol with the "W" prefix serial number but has been changed to .45 ACP. There were only about 10,000 ordered for British Ministry of Munitions contracts for the RFC and RAF Colt Government Model .455 with "W" prefix. This piece features the crossed pennant markings in several spots, indicating government property, as did the arrow proof on the left side of the frame. The magazine is a period correct lanyard loop 2 tone. The pistol has the Colt commercial blue finish but with heavy wear. The barrel had been replaced with a Springfield .45 ACP barrel. There are spotting of pitting on the slide, frame, and grip. The left side of the frame is stamped RAF with the pennant and broadhead arrow. The grips are well worn but structurally sound. The bore is fairly bright but there is micropitting and wear visible through the grooves. The 2nd 5 in ".455" had been canceled out to only read ".45". Comes in a generic storage box.