Colt Model 1911, Early Commercial Classic, Previously Restored – Sale Pending

A true classic from the earliest days of the Colt Model 1911, this pre-owned example—serial number C861—represents one of the very first commercial pistols produced after the M1911’s adoption by the U.S. military. Built in 1912, the first year of Commercial 1911 production, this pistol hails from a highly sought-after era, when Colt’s craftsmanship was on full display in the form of elegant finishes and finely fit components.

Expertly restored by Turnbull Restoration in 2023, this example has been brought back to its period-correct glory using historically accurate methods and materials. The slide and frame wear a deep high polish charcoal blue finish, true to Colt’s original carbonia-style blueing process used on commercial pistols of this era. Adding even more authenticity, the trigger, hammer, sights, and small parts are finished in vivid nitre blue, just as they would have appeared fresh from the factory over a century ago.

This 1911 retains all the defining early features that make the first-year commercial models so collectible. It includes double-diamond checkered walnut grips, a lanyard loop magazine, and a correct 4” barrel in .45 ACP—a combination that reflects both the mechanical brilliance and the refined presentation Colt offered to civilian and law enforcement buyers in the pre-WWI years. Every component has been meticulously restored and maintained, offering the perfect blend of historical integrity and modern collector care.

The listing includes a copy of the factory letter from the Office of the Colt Historian, dated January 25, 2013, confirming its original shipment details. Whether you’re a seasoned Colt enthusiast or a discerning collector of early American semi-automatics, this 1912-built, Turnbull-restored Model 1911 is a rare opportunity to own a piece of handgun history—faithfully revived and ready for its next century of admiration.