Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this collectible WWII-era semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt 1911A1 Military British Lend-Lease!
A Colt 1911A1 Military pistol released through the British Lend-Lease program represents a distinctive and highly desirable variant of America’s standard-issue sidearm of World War II. Under the 1941 Lend-Lease Act, the U.S. supplied Allied nations—most notably Great Britain—with urgently needed war matériel, including a limited number of Colt-produced 1911A1 pistols. These guns are identifiable by their British proof marks and inspection stamps applied upon receipt and later civilian release, creating a unique blend of U.S. military manufacture and British wartime service history. As a result, Lend-Lease 1911A1 examples stand out to collectors for their documented Allied use, comparative scarcity, and the added historical context of transatlantic wartime cooperation.
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SPECIFICATIONS:Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1911A1 Military British Lend-Lease
Serial: 2286594
Date of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame above the magazine release features the Ordnance Inspector initials “GHD.” The right side of the slide, frame, and barrel are all stamped with “NOTENGLISHMAKE” as well as British proof markings. The right side of the slide is also stamped with what appears to be “RELEASED / BRITISH GOVT. 1952” (the date has been shadow-stamped as seen in picture 32).
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt 1911A1 Military is the evolution of John M. Browning’s landmark M1911 design, which the U.S. military adopted in 1911 and fielded extensively through World War I. After wartime service revealed areas for refinement, Colt and the Ordnance Department implemented a series of ergonomic improvements in 1926—changes that formally defined the “1911A1.” These updates included an arched mainspring housing, shorter trigger, scalloped frame relief cuts, improved sights, and a longer grip safety spur to reduce hammer bite. Produced primarily from 1926 through the end of World War II, the Colt-made 1911A1s were manufactured alongside examples from government contractors such as Remington Rand, Ithaca, Union Switch & Signal, and Singer. Together, these pistols became the standard U.S. service sidearm for multiple generations of soldiers, serving through WWII, Korea, and well into the Vietnam era.
Model: 1911A1 Military British Lend-Lease
Serial: 2286594
Date of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the frame above the magazine release features the Ordnance Inspector initials “GHD.” The right side of the slide, frame, and barrel are all stamped with “NOTENGLISHMAKE” as well as British proof markings. The right side of the slide is also stamped with what appears to be “RELEASED / BRITISH GOVT. 1952” (the date has been shadow-stamped as seen in picture 32).
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt 1911A1 Military is the evolution of John M. Browning’s landmark M1911 design, which the U.S. military adopted in 1911 and fielded extensively through World War I. After wartime service revealed areas for refinement, Colt and the Ordnance Department implemented a series of ergonomic improvements in 1926—changes that formally defined the “1911A1.” These updates included an arched mainspring housing, shorter trigger, scalloped frame relief cuts, improved sights, and a longer grip safety spur to reduce hammer bite. Produced primarily from 1926 through the end of World War II, the Colt-made 1911A1s were manufactured alongside examples from government contractors such as Remington Rand, Ithaca, Union Switch & Signal, and Singer. Together, these pistols became the standard U.S. service sidearm for multiple generations of soldiers, serving through WWII, Korea, and well into the Vietnam era.
Mechanically rugged, simple to maintain, and proven in combat, the Colt 1911A1 Military remains one of the most influential military pistols ever produced. Early Colt-produced examples—especially pre-WWII and documented wartime shipments—are highly sought by collectors for their finish quality, historical significance, and correct military-inspection marks. Rarity varies by manufacturer and year, with some production runs (such as early 1930s Colts and the famously scarce Singer pistols) commanding significant premiums. Today, the 1911A1 is valued not only as a capable sidearm but as a tangible artifact of 20th-century American military history, representing decades of service and the refinement of Browning’s enduring design.
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.
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.
