Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this INCREDIBLE WWII pistol today for a penny start auction; this is the Colt M1911A1 Military!
According to the factory letter, this pistol was shipped on June 10, 1944, as part of a 1,000-unit order (Order #3754) destined for the United States Government. The delivery was addressed to the Transportation Officer at the Springfield Ordnance Depot, Springfield Armory, in Springfield, Massachusetts, intended for the Commanding Officer.
According to the owner, this Colt 1911A1 Military pistol, bearing serial number 1617802, was the personal sidearm of SGT. Paul E. Hendren, who served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1946. Hendren was assigned to the 5th Air Force, 417th Bomb Group, 672nd Bomb Squadron—a distinguished unit that played a critical role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The 672nd Bomb Squadron operated primarily in New Guinea and the Philippines, conducting low-level bombing and strafing missions against Japanese airfields, shipping lanes, and entrenched positions. The 417th Bomb Group was notable for flying the rugged Douglas A-20 Havoc and was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its daring attacks. Having a Colt 1911A1 connected to a serviceman from this elite unit offers a rare and tangible link to the bravery and sacrifice of American airmen in one of the most intense combat environments of the war. However, aside from the owner’s statement, no additional documentation has been provided to verify this historical attribution.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1911A1 Military
Serial: 1617802
Date of Manufacture: Shipped to “United States Government Transportation Officer, Springfield Ordnance Depot, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, For: Commanding Officer, June 10, 1944”
Caliber: .45 Auto
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front & Rear
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The right side of the frame is stamped with the Ordnance Department Inspection stamp and “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / M1911A1 U S ARMY," and the serial number. The left side of the slide is stamped "PATENTED APR.20,1897.SEPT.9,1902. / DEC.19,1905.FEB.14,1911.AUG.19,1913" Rampant Colt Logo "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO HARTFORD,CT.U.S.A." The left side of the frame above the magazine release is stamped “G.H.D.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Model 1911A1 Military is one of the most iconic service pistols in American military history, evolving from the original John M. Browning-designed Model 1911. Officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1926 as an updated version of the Model 1911, the 1911A1 incorporated several refinements aimed at improving ergonomics and handling. These changes included a shorter trigger, an arched mainspring housing, improved sights, and scalloped cutouts behind the trigger to ease finger access. Chambered in .45 ACP, the 1911A1 retained the rugged reliability and formidable stopping power that had earned its predecessor a legendary reputation during World War I. Throughout World War II, Korea, and even into Vietnam, the 1911A1 served as the standard-issue sidearm for U.S. forces, becoming synonymous with American military strength and precision.
Model: 1911A1 Military
Serial: 1617802
Date of Manufacture: Shipped to “United States Government Transportation Officer, Springfield Ordnance Depot, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, For: Commanding Officer, June 10, 1944”
Caliber: .45 Auto
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front & Rear
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The right side of the frame is stamped with the Ordnance Department Inspection stamp and “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / M1911A1 U S ARMY," and the serial number. The left side of the slide is stamped "PATENTED APR.20,1897.SEPT.9,1902. / DEC.19,1905.FEB.14,1911.AUG.19,1913" Rampant Colt Logo "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO HARTFORD,CT.U.S.A." The left side of the frame above the magazine release is stamped “G.H.D.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Model 1911A1 Military is one of the most iconic service pistols in American military history, evolving from the original John M. Browning-designed Model 1911. Officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1926 as an updated version of the Model 1911, the 1911A1 incorporated several refinements aimed at improving ergonomics and handling. These changes included a shorter trigger, an arched mainspring housing, improved sights, and scalloped cutouts behind the trigger to ease finger access. Chambered in .45 ACP, the 1911A1 retained the rugged reliability and formidable stopping power that had earned its predecessor a legendary reputation during World War I. Throughout World War II, Korea, and even into Vietnam, the 1911A1 served as the standard-issue sidearm for U.S. forces, becoming synonymous with American military strength and precision.
Manufactured by several government contractors—Colt, Remington Rand, Ithaca, Union Switch & Signal, and Singer—the 1911A1 was produced in the millions during World War II, each marked by distinctive factory codes and inspection stamps. Despite its widespread issuance, the pistol maintained consistent quality and performance, thanks to rigorous military standards. Known for its simple field-stripping process, robust steel frame, and exceptional durability, the 1911A1 remains highly prized by collectors, particularly examples with original finish, matching serial numbers, and verifiable wartime provenance. Its service legacy has also made it a favorite among civilian shooters and gunsmiths, laying the groundwork for countless modern 1911 variants. In both military history and firearm design, the Colt Model 1911A1 Military stands as a defining symbol of 20th-century American craftsmanship and combat utility.
Contents:
Contents:
This stunning example will ship with a holster, small plaque which reads “SGT. PAUL E. HENDREN, United States Army Air Corp, 5th Air Force, 417th Bomb Group, 672nd Bomb Squadron, 1944 To 1946”, the factory letter, and ALL contents pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
