Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this desirable, SUPER EARLY PRE-WAR PRODUCTION semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Government 1911 Commercial!
A 1913 Colt Government 1911 Commercial holds strong appeal for collectors because it represents one of the earliest civilian-market examples of the iconic 1911 platform, produced during the highly sought-after pre–World War I period when Colt’s craftsmanship was at its peak. These early Commercial models feature the beautiful high-polish “Royal Blue” finish, finely fitted internals, and period-correct markings that set them apart from later production. Their scarcity, historical proximity to the original 1911 design, and exceptional build quality make a 1913 example especially desirable as both an investment piece and a tangible link to the earliest era of America’s most famous service pistol.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government 1911 Commercial
Serial: C3278
Date of Manufacture: 1913
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered Double Diamond Walnut
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government 1911 Commercial represents the civilian-market continuation of one of the most influential handgun designs in history. After the U.S. military adopted John Browning’s Model 1911 in 1911, Colt simultaneously produced Commercial Government Models for the civilian and law-enforcement markets. These pistols were manufactured continuously—though with some stylistic and mechanical evolutions—from 1912 through the late 1970s, with later commercial iterations continuing under Series 70 (introduced in 1970) and Series 80 (introduced in 1983). Early Commercial Government Models mirrored their military counterparts closely but featured higher-polish finishes, improved fit, and rollmarks denoting their civilian designation. Throughout decades of production, Colt refined small details such as sights, safeties, triggers, and barrel throating, ensuring the platform remained viable for sport shooters, private owners, and competitive marksmen.
Model: Government 1911 Commercial
Serial: C3278
Date of Manufacture: 1913
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered Double Diamond Walnut
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government 1911 Commercial represents the civilian-market continuation of one of the most influential handgun designs in history. After the U.S. military adopted John Browning’s Model 1911 in 1911, Colt simultaneously produced Commercial Government Models for the civilian and law-enforcement markets. These pistols were manufactured continuously—though with some stylistic and mechanical evolutions—from 1912 through the late 1970s, with later commercial iterations continuing under Series 70 (introduced in 1970) and Series 80 (introduced in 1983). Early Commercial Government Models mirrored their military counterparts closely but featured higher-polish finishes, improved fit, and rollmarks denoting their civilian designation. Throughout decades of production, Colt refined small details such as sights, safeties, triggers, and barrel throating, ensuring the platform remained viable for sport shooters, private owners, and competitive marksmen.
The appeal of the Commercial Government 1911 lies in its blend of historical lineage, craftsmanship, and practical performance. Built on the iconic single-action, steel-frame architecture, these pistols are known for their crisp triggers, inherent mechanical accuracy, and robust reliability with .45 ACP. Collectors seek early pre–World War I and pre–World War II examples for their fine blue finishes and hand-fitted internals, while shooters appreciate later Series 70 and Series 80 models for their durability and tunability. Across its long production life, the Colt Government 1911 Commercial became synonymous with the archetypal American fighting pistol—valued equally as a collectible piece of history, a range companion, or a platform for customization—ensuring its enduring relevance over more than a century of manufacture.
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.
