Description
Item Description
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Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this post-WWII era semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt 1911A1 Commercial Government Model!
The Government Model is the sister to such classics as the National Match, Super 38, and Commander Models.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government 1911A1 Commercial
Serial: 250100C
Date of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic with Rampant Colt in a circle Logo
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Model 1911 is often celebrated for its military legacy, particularly for its service during two World Wars and its iconic status in American history. However, there was also a civilian counterpart to the M1911, the Commercial Model, which, while not as widely produced as its military version, is a significant variation in the history of the 1911 design. Produced in smaller numbers—slightly over 336,000 units before the introduction of the Series 70—compared to the 2.7 million military M1911 pistols, the Commercial Model remains an important piece of Colt's firearm production history. Introduced in 1912 with an initial production run of just 1,899 units, the civilian M1911 was marketed as the "Government Model" in Colt’s catalogs. By 1916, however, the pistol had gained significant popularity, with production rising to 47,400 units that year. This surge in civilian production reflects the increasing demand for the M1911 among gun enthusiasts, home defense users, and recreational shooters. Additionally, the Commercial Model found a place within law enforcement, with agencies such as the Texas Rangers and U.S. Border Patrol adopting the pistol for their duty weapons. One of the primary distinctions of the Commercial Model was its finish. While military M1911 pistols were blued with a relatively coarse finish (and later Parkerized during World War II), the civilian version featured a highly polished, lustrous blue finish that appealed to consumers seeking a more refined appearance. This premium finish contributed to the Commercial Model’s status as a high-quality handgun, distinguishing it from its military counterpart. As the years passed, the Commercial Model evolved alongside the military M1911. When the M1911A1 was introduced in 1924 with updated features, these changes also carried over to the civilian version. Early civilian models, up until around Serial No. 240,000 in 1950, featured a "C" prefix in the serial number, which later became a suffix until 1970, when the Series 70 M1911A1s were introduced. This shift in serial number format is an important marker in the history of the Commercial Model, as it signifies the transition from the early years of Colt production to the modern iterations of the 1911. The Commercial Model also differed from its military counterparts in its markings. Unlike the military M1911s, which were stamped with “United States Property” and “Model of 1911 U.S. Army” on the slide, the civilian guns were marked with "Government Model" on the right side of the frame above the serial number until 1938, when this marking was moved to the slide. Additionally, the left side of the slide on early military and civilian M1911s featured a two-line patent date, which became one of the distinguishing features of these early models. In contrast, the Commercial Model was marked with "Colt Automatic, Caliber .45" on the slide, further distinguishing it from the military version. Overall, while the Commercial Model of the M1911 never reached the same production levels or iconic status as its military counterpart, it represents an important and highly regarded variation of the legendary pistol. Its polished finish, evolutionary design changes, and role in civilian markets helped lay the groundwork for the M1911's enduring legacy, both as a service weapon and as a beloved handgun among collectors, shooters, and enthusiasts.
Model: Government 1911A1 Commercial
Serial: 250100C
Date of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic with Rampant Colt in a circle Logo
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Model 1911 is often celebrated for its military legacy, particularly for its service during two World Wars and its iconic status in American history. However, there was also a civilian counterpart to the M1911, the Commercial Model, which, while not as widely produced as its military version, is a significant variation in the history of the 1911 design. Produced in smaller numbers—slightly over 336,000 units before the introduction of the Series 70—compared to the 2.7 million military M1911 pistols, the Commercial Model remains an important piece of Colt's firearm production history. Introduced in 1912 with an initial production run of just 1,899 units, the civilian M1911 was marketed as the "Government Model" in Colt’s catalogs. By 1916, however, the pistol had gained significant popularity, with production rising to 47,400 units that year. This surge in civilian production reflects the increasing demand for the M1911 among gun enthusiasts, home defense users, and recreational shooters. Additionally, the Commercial Model found a place within law enforcement, with agencies such as the Texas Rangers and U.S. Border Patrol adopting the pistol for their duty weapons. One of the primary distinctions of the Commercial Model was its finish. While military M1911 pistols were blued with a relatively coarse finish (and later Parkerized during World War II), the civilian version featured a highly polished, lustrous blue finish that appealed to consumers seeking a more refined appearance. This premium finish contributed to the Commercial Model’s status as a high-quality handgun, distinguishing it from its military counterpart. As the years passed, the Commercial Model evolved alongside the military M1911. When the M1911A1 was introduced in 1924 with updated features, these changes also carried over to the civilian version. Early civilian models, up until around Serial No. 240,000 in 1950, featured a "C" prefix in the serial number, which later became a suffix until 1970, when the Series 70 M1911A1s were introduced. This shift in serial number format is an important marker in the history of the Commercial Model, as it signifies the transition from the early years of Colt production to the modern iterations of the 1911. The Commercial Model also differed from its military counterparts in its markings. Unlike the military M1911s, which were stamped with “United States Property” and “Model of 1911 U.S. Army” on the slide, the civilian guns were marked with "Government Model" on the right side of the frame above the serial number until 1938, when this marking was moved to the slide. Additionally, the left side of the slide on early military and civilian M1911s featured a two-line patent date, which became one of the distinguishing features of these early models. In contrast, the Commercial Model was marked with "Colt Automatic, Caliber .45" on the slide, further distinguishing it from the military version. Overall, while the Commercial Model of the M1911 never reached the same production levels or iconic status as its military counterpart, it represents an important and highly regarded variation of the legendary pistol. Its polished finish, evolutionary design changes, and role in civilian markets helped lay the groundwork for the M1911's enduring legacy, both as a service weapon and as a beloved handgun among collectors, shooters, and enthusiasts.
Contents:
As you can see in the many high-resolution photos, this example is in overall Excellent condition. Additionally, it will ship with the wooden presentation case as 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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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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.
