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According to author Charles Clawson, this rare 1937 manufactured Colt Model 1911A1 is one of only 2,349 pistols sold under contract to the U.S. Military that year,
and that is the second fewest 1911A1 pistols delivered in a calendar year.
LOT 1429
Exceptionally Rare 1937 Production U.S. Colt Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Serial no. 710393, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut checkered grips. This
is a very rare early Colt transitional Model 1911A1 pistol manufactured and delivered in
1937. There were only 2,349 blued Colt Model 1911A1s made in 1937, after a 13 year lapse. The pistols are found between serial number 710001 and 712349, with deliveries made to both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. They have all the new Model 1911A1 features but still retain the old slide markings of “MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY”. The various changes included:
(1) arched main spring housing, (2) radiused clearance on the frame behind the trigger, (3) shortened hammer, (4) lengthened grip safety tang (5) shortened trigger length, and 6) the large diamond shapes around the grip screws were eliminated and now show an all checkered pattern across the grips. The slide still retains the original two-line, two-block Colt markings with the Rampant Colt logo located between the two blocks and the right side still having
the old style markings noted above. The full serial number is stamped on the rear of the slide
under the firing pin stop. The right side of the frame is roll marked: “UNITED STATES PROPERTY/ 316 No 710393”. This early pistol does not have the provisional “H” inspection mark above the firing
pin stop; however, it does have the single capital “G” production order stamp. It
has an all blued barrel marked on the right side “COLT 45 AUTO” and a single “P”
proof on the right side of the lug. The right side of the trigger guard is stamped
“80,” and the left side has the small Colt “VP” verified proof along with a small “P”
proof at the top of the trigger guard bow. It has the standard fixed front and rear
sights with the checkered thumb safety, slide stop and arched mainspring housing.
It is fitted with a blue magazine with a “L” stamped on the lip of the base plate.
CONDITION: Fine with 70% plus original blue finish overall with edge and high spot
wear, some small spots of oxidation on top of the slide, and some pin-prick type
pitting on the sides and underside area of the recoil spring housing of the slide, all
probably from sitting in a holster. The front grip strap has mostly silver/brown patina.
The grips are very good with distinct checking on both sides showing wear across the face
of the checkering mixed with some minor handing marks. Mechanically excellent. A very rare seldom encountered 1937 production Colt Codel 1911A1 U.S. Military contract pistol which is absent in most 1911A1 collections!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
PISTOLS DELIVERED IN THE FIRST LOT WERE INCORRECTLY MARKED "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY", EVEN THOUGH THE MODEL DESIGNATION HAD CHANGED TO 1911A1