Colt 1911 British Contract Pistol in 455

• Licensing Category: Restricted
• Maker: Colt
• Model: 1911
• Caliber/Gauge: .455


• Description:

  Colt 1911 in .455 Webley caliber is one of 10,500 pistols sold to the British Air Service /Royal Air Force contracts, between late 1917 & 1918.  For reference see Charles W. Clawson "Colt 45 government models" (Commerical Series) pages 112 to 126.  This pistol shows the broad arrow, crossed pennants and the Enfield  inspector mark ( crown over T9 over E)  The slide shows the pennants above the Colt pony.  This piece was probably built for the Jan. 2, 1918 contract for 5000 pistols. (Page 118) All of the pistols had the Colt wartime gas oven blue and were all refinished in England with the soft satin blue finish.  This pistol show 75 to 80% finish with scattered staining or freckling associated with holster use and storage.  The 455 caliber bore rates as bright very good with scattered corrosion.  The mag shows Colt 455 under the mag loop and Eley on the bottom edge.  The action is smooth and tight.  All parts including the grips are original to the gun. The pistol rides in a WW1 style of British holster with excellent leather and seams.  There is an undistinguisable name scratched on the reverse side of the flap.  The holster is mounted on an unmarked Sam Brown with also shows the remnants of a name.  In addition, this pistol came with a 2nd barrel in 45 Colt  auto and a 1911 magazine in 45.  The barrel shows the P proof.  The mag is an unmarked two tone with loop.  We have no information as to when or where the second barrel and magazine were added to the rig.  If necessary, we can provide copies of the above referenced information.  The pistol shows no importation marks  or modifications.  This is a very good example of a contract 1911 Colt as supplied to Britain in WW1.