Colt Model 1911 U.S. Navy
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NOTE: this page shows an example of our firearm restoration services. The restored firearm shown here is not for sale.
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There’s a special kind of reverence that comes from holding one of the earliest government-issue Colt Model 1911s. Those first years when John Moses Browning’s masterpiece was just beginning its long, faithful service to American fighting men. And when that pistol carries the “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY” roll mark, the story deepens.
In 1912, the U.S. Navy received some of the earliest Colt Model 1911 pistols, specially roll-marked “MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY.” Far fewer Navy-marked pistols were produced compared to Army contracts, making these early examples from the Navy issue especially scarce and highly sought after by collectors today.
This example—born in 1912 and entrusted to our shop for restoration in 2021—arrived with more than a century of honest wear. What it still carried, though, was its heritage: an early Navy pistol built when Browning’s design was still a fresh answer to the U.S. military’s call for a rugged, authoritative sidearm.
We performed a full period-correct restoration, beginning with meticulous surface preparation that recreated the crisp flats and clean radii of an early-production Colt. From there we applied an authentic charcoal blue finish to the slide, frame, and small parts, capturing the deep, reflective character of the 1912 originals. The iconic double-diamond panels were replaced with hand-checkered black walnut grips, shaped and finished to evoke the look and feel of the earliest Navy-issue guns.
The finished pistol stands today as a tribute to Browning’s genius, to Colt’s craftsmanship, and to the sailors who relied on these rare early Navy-marked 1911s in an age when America’s place on the world stage was still taking shape. For collectors, historians, and families who inherited one of these legendary service pistols, a restored 1912 Navy example is more than steel and walnut. It’s a direct connection to the earliest chapter of an American icon.
Restoring this 1912 Navy pistol was an honor, and we’re proud to return it to the world looking every bit as it did when it first answered its call to service.
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I sent my 1916 manufactured Colt Commercial 1911 for restoration and am blown away by how amazing it looks. Money well spent on what is to become a true family heirloom and will definitely get a lot of attention in the display case. Thank you Turnbull!
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I have had my Dad’s Union Switch & Signal 1911 A-1 for many years. It had been refinished, but not to original condition. Turnbull Restoration craftsmen brought it back to its original condition when it left Swissvale Pa. in 1943. I display it to honor my Dad, and his service in WWII in the United States Marine Corp from 1943 to 1946. It’s in the family to stay!
Worth every penny!
Unbelievable work. Some of the finest craftsmanship I’ve seen in the firearm industry. Turnbull has worked on, restored, and engraved a number of revolvers, rifles and 1911s in my collection. True works of art!
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Additional information
| Log Number | 37238 |
|---|---|
| Make | Colt |
| Model | 1911 |
| Caliber | |
| Year of Manufacture | 1912 |
| Types |
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