Lot 1230

World War I Era Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol

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World War I Era Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol

Estimate: $5,000 - $8,000

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Excellent World War I Era Colt Government Model Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1917, this is an excellent example of a World War I era Colt Government Model pistol. These pistols represented the cutting edge of firearm technology at the time, as well as being more robust than many other semi-automatic offerings on the market, and were highly sought after by military personnel and civilians alike, with many being privately purchased for use during the war. Many of these early Government Models also found their way into the hands of criminals and law enforcement and saw significant use during the Prohibition and Public Enemies eras. The included factory letter confirms the configuration with the grips not listed and shipment to H&D Folsom Arms Co. in New York on 21 March 1917 in a shipment containing 200 guns of this type. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and address, while the Rampant Colt is behind the slide serrations. The right side of the slide has the two-line caliber marking. The right side of the frame has the Government Model marking over the serial number, and the left side of the trigger guard is marked "VP" and "V". The blued barrel has a polished chamber hood. It is fitted with a blade front sight, flat-topped notch rear sight, checkered thumb safety and slide release, a wide checkered hammer, short grip safety, a smooth flat mainspring housing with lanyard loop base, a pair of diamond pattern checkered walnut grips, and a two-tone magazine with lanyard loop base. Includes an unnumbered correct period factory box.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Government

BBL: 5 inch round

Gauge: 45 ACP

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial NumberC91569

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent, retaining 97% plus of the original high polish blue finish with some very light wear on the leading edges of the slide, a few scattered light handling marks, and a patch of faint freckling on the upper right front of the slide. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with a separated lid corners and mild wear. A very attractive example of a World War I era Colt Government Model!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000