Scarce, Excellent 1924 Transitional Colt 1911A1

Description

8/7/26 - This is a rare, excellent Colt military transitional 1911A1 from the 1924 improved service order, the first U.S. contract guns built with the handling changes that later defined the M1911A1. After World War I the Cavalry Board and Ordnance asked for changes that would make the 1911 easier to cock and less likely to pinch the hand behind the hammer. The grip safety tang was lengthened, finger relief cuts were added behind the trigger, the mainspring housing was arched and knurled, the trigger was shortened and knurled, and the front sight was widened. Those changes went into a contract for about 10,000 pistols numbered 700001 through 710000. The slide is still marked MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY because the official M1911A1 designation was not settled until 1926, when guns above serial 700000 were classed as the new model. This block of pistols is referred to as transitional because they are the first military guns with the later A1 control layout while the slide still carries the old legend, with scarce variation predating its own model designation by about two years. This example exhibits all the proper features. The frame carries the WTG military inspection stamp of Capt. Walter T. Gorton, the Ordnance inspector on this contract, and the barrel is properly marked with the interlaced HP stamp used on this variation. It retains about 94-96% of its beautiful high polish blue, with most of the finish loss in the form of thinning on the front strap, with additional high edge wear at the muzzle, dust cover, slide flats, and control edges. There are also scattered surface scratches on the slide flats that do not result in visible bluing loss, and there is the typical takedown scratch under the slide stop. Full checkered walnut grips are excellent, with no chips or cracks. The bore is nearly mint, and the mechanics are excellent. Comes with one two-tone magazine.