Colt M1911 Black Army 45 ACP Pistol (1918 US Army)

Mint example US Army Colt M1911 "Black Army" semiautomatic pistol chambered in .45 Automatic. The included Colt factory letter confirms that it was shipped to Bush Terminal in Brooklyn, New York on 15 October 1918. From Bush Terminal, it would have immediately been shipped to France in support of the American efforts in the First World War. Given the condition of the pistol, it is assumed that it never shipped as the Armistice was signed a few weeks later. What is unique about this particular example is its overall very good condition. In 1918, during the height of the First World War, the U.S. military demanded an unprecedented increase in sidearm production. To meet these wartime quotas, Colt implemented several production shortcuts to include reduced polishing during manufacture. As a result, when the Carbonia Blue finish was applied to these roughly finished frames and slides, the oil and heat treatment resulted in a dull, nearly black appearance rather than the traditional reflective blue. Collectors have dubbed these "Black Army" variants. Unfortunately, the wartime expedience resulted in a less durable finish that tended to flake off in patches or wear away with only slight handling, often leaving surviving examples with a patchy or thin patina. This is a rare example of an M1911 with a near pristine original finish. Comes with a single correct, but unmarked magazine and Colt factory letter.