For Sale: Colt 1911 Government Model New York State Property, Lettered

Colt 1911 Government Model semi-auto pistol marked New York State Property, chambered in .45 ACP. Manufactured in 1950, this pistol is one of the 250 in order number 7078 that was shipped to the State Quartermaster, New York State Arsenal in Brooklyn in December of that year. These pistols were issued to the NY National Guard to replace service pistols that the Army reallocated for use in the Korean War (Clawson).

The Colt 1911 Government Model seen here is correct for 1950 manufacture with “C” suffix serial number; newly adopted slide and barrel markings; unfinished hammer sides; and long, grooved thumbpiece safety. The finish is high polish blued with the top of the slide, bottom, and rear frame surfaces are all matte finish. The 5-inch barrel is blued with unmarked lugs and the grips are brown “Coltwood” plastic with rampant colt. The magazine is blued.

Markings include the serial number on the right side of the frame, above the trigger, and ‘COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK’ on the right side of the frame. The left side of the frame is marked ‘GOVERNMENT/MODEL’ followed by ‘COLT’ which is then followed by ‘AUTOMATIC/CALIBER .45’, all forward of the rampant colt logo. Above the chamber, the barrel is marked ‘COLT .45 AUTO’. Proof marks are found on both forward upper corners of the trigger guard and the 7-round magazine is stamped ‘COLT/45 AUTO’.

Holster wear is visible at some high points of this Colt 1911 Government Model, favoring the left side, and is most notable on the slide around the front muzzle edges, rear slide corner near the hammer, safety, slide stop, and front/back straps. Light, minor service handling marks are visible on metal surfaces and chamber. The bluing remains deep and glossy, and the grips are not cracked. The bore is bright and like new with excellent rifling. The action is smooth, strong, and functions as intended. Overall condition is indictive of being carried but infrequently shot.

This is a scarce New York property marked Colt Government Model issued to the NY National Guard in very good condition. Includes Colt factory letter. A perfect addition to a Colt collection or for a collector of New York State firearms.

See pictures for overall condition. FFL or C&R required for purchase.