Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this SCARCE semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt 1911 “WWI Meuse Argonne Offensive".
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1911 “WWI Meuse Argonne Offensive Commemorative”
Serial: 3846-MA
Date of Manufacture: 1967
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front and Rear
Stock/Grips: Original Factory Smooth Walnut Grips with Inlaid Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is engraved with a gold-filled battle scene. The right side of the slide is engraved with the gold-filled banners that read “1917 / World War I Commemorative / 1967”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
This Colt 1911 pistol commemorates the Meuse Argonne Offensive. American forces in France, having distinguished themselves in battle and growing rapidly in numbers during the summer of 1918, were ready in September to launch a massive offensive against German forces on the Western Front. Final plans were formulated by General Foch on September 3. A combined American army of fourteen divisions and supporting brigades was to attack northward between the Meuse River and the Argonne Forest along the Paris-Metz highway. The goal was to cut German rail supply lines to the northwest (British) and western (French) sectors, trapping German armies and crippling their transportation. The Americans were assigned the crucial task of striking Germany’s vital rail system, which linked its eastern and western armies. The Germans recognized the strategic importance of the Meuse-Argonne area and built extensive fortifications, including multiple lines of trenches, barbed wire, and cement emplacements, supported by artillery and machine guns. Natural terrain, like the heights east of the Meuse and the broken hills of the Argonne Forest, further strengthened their defense, with Montfaucon serving as a key observation and artillery point. The attack, initially planned for September 12, began on September 25. The First Army’s front extended from Forges northwest of Verdun to the Argonne Forest, anchored by the 77th Division on the left and the 33rd Division on the right. The plan called for a ten-mile advance to break through German defenses, followed by a push through the Argonne, with the capture of Montfaucon as the first objective. The First Army, under General Hunter Liggett, consisted of I Corps (77th, 28th, 35th Divisions), V Corps (91st, 37th, 79th), and III Corps (4th, 80th, 33rd). Artillery preparation began at 2:30 a.m. on September 26 with 2,700 guns. Despite obstacles like wire, shell craters, and ravines, progress was steady. By evening, the first German strongpoints fell, and Montfaucon was captured after fierce hand-to-hand combat on September 27. Subsequent advances were slower due to reinforced German defenses, and by September 29, positions were reorganized for defense, with preparations to resume on October 4. The October 4 attack aimed to secure the high ground in the Argonne Forest. American forces faced heavy resistance but steadily advanced, causing the Germans to begin withdrawing. By October 12, the First Army paused before resuming the offensive on October 14, with I Corps (77th, 82nd), V Corps (42nd, 32nd), and III Corps (5th, 3rd, 4th). Continuous attacks from October 15–21 led General Pershing to plan a final assault for October 28, later postponed to November 1 at French request. On November 1, after a massive two-hour artillery bombardment, the First Army advanced decisively. V Corps crushed central resistance, III Corps advanced to the Meuse River, and I Corps gained ground against the Hindenburg Line. This deep penetration forced the Germans to order a full withdrawal from the west bank of the Meuse, triggering a general retreat along the Western Front. By November 7, the American Army dominated the German rail complex, effectively ensuring the war’s end.
Contents:
Model: 1911 “WWI Meuse Argonne Offensive Commemorative”
Serial: 3846-MA
Date of Manufacture: 1967
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front and Rear
Stock/Grips: Original Factory Smooth Walnut Grips with Inlaid Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is engraved with a gold-filled battle scene. The right side of the slide is engraved with the gold-filled banners that read “1917 / World War I Commemorative / 1967”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
This Colt 1911 pistol commemorates the Meuse Argonne Offensive. American forces in France, having distinguished themselves in battle and growing rapidly in numbers during the summer of 1918, were ready in September to launch a massive offensive against German forces on the Western Front. Final plans were formulated by General Foch on September 3. A combined American army of fourteen divisions and supporting brigades was to attack northward between the Meuse River and the Argonne Forest along the Paris-Metz highway. The goal was to cut German rail supply lines to the northwest (British) and western (French) sectors, trapping German armies and crippling their transportation. The Americans were assigned the crucial task of striking Germany’s vital rail system, which linked its eastern and western armies. The Germans recognized the strategic importance of the Meuse-Argonne area and built extensive fortifications, including multiple lines of trenches, barbed wire, and cement emplacements, supported by artillery and machine guns. Natural terrain, like the heights east of the Meuse and the broken hills of the Argonne Forest, further strengthened their defense, with Montfaucon serving as a key observation and artillery point. The attack, initially planned for September 12, began on September 25. The First Army’s front extended from Forges northwest of Verdun to the Argonne Forest, anchored by the 77th Division on the left and the 33rd Division on the right. The plan called for a ten-mile advance to break through German defenses, followed by a push through the Argonne, with the capture of Montfaucon as the first objective. The First Army, under General Hunter Liggett, consisted of I Corps (77th, 28th, 35th Divisions), V Corps (91st, 37th, 79th), and III Corps (4th, 80th, 33rd). Artillery preparation began at 2:30 a.m. on September 26 with 2,700 guns. Despite obstacles like wire, shell craters, and ravines, progress was steady. By evening, the first German strongpoints fell, and Montfaucon was captured after fierce hand-to-hand combat on September 27. Subsequent advances were slower due to reinforced German defenses, and by September 29, positions were reorganized for defense, with preparations to resume on October 4. The October 4 attack aimed to secure the high ground in the Argonne Forest. American forces faced heavy resistance but steadily advanced, causing the Germans to begin withdrawing. By October 12, the First Army paused before resuming the offensive on October 14, with I Corps (77th, 82nd), V Corps (42nd, 32nd), and III Corps (5th, 3rd, 4th). Continuous attacks from October 15–21 led General Pershing to plan a final assault for October 28, later postponed to November 1 at French request. On November 1, after a massive two-hour artillery bombardment, the First Army advanced decisively. V Corps crushed central resistance, III Corps advanced to the Meuse River, and I Corps gained ground against the Hindenburg Line. This deep penetration forced the Germans to order a full withdrawal from the west bank of the Meuse, triggering a general retreat along the Western Front. By November 7, the American Army dominated the German rail complex, effectively ensuring the war’s end.
Contents:
This example will ship with the "Meuse-Argonne" Offensive case!
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
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. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1188119175 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-07-19 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1075 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-07-19 18:03:40 |
