Early Colt 1911's | First Dozen Ever Made | Surprise Find! 

Way back in 1961, 45s were made available thru the NRA for $17.00. I bought one and it wound up being a Colt. still have it today 12/2020. I had it in my car when stationed at FT. Bragg. When i was a short timmer and had no duty i would drive to the pistol range on post and shoot for free. I still have the paperwork for it ! Sometimes the range officer said take what u want, so i did. I still have 700 rds. mainly cause i shoot steel targets often and reload with lead rds. Very Happy Shooter!!

An immaculately preserved example,good sir.Shines like a mirror.Hard to believe it's nearly 110yrs old.

I am a 1911 freak for sure, this was very informative to watch and got me looking into it some more

SN 1 of those 9 prototypes does exist and is located at the Museum of Connecticut history in Hartford CT. I’ve laid eyes on it.

So $15 in 1911 is about $420 in 2020. In 1910 eggs were $.36 doz., building trades paid $.52 hr., teacher made $492 a year., state and local gov. $699 yr. , average industrial worker $574. yr. In otherwords a New Colt 1911 was about a weeks work. MAYBE just a little bit cheaper than today.

Nothing made like that today really. The fit and finish on the old Colt's is impeccable. Reliability is 100%. In my humble opinion, these pistols totally outclass the Luger.

Works of art! The polishing! Look at the ‘flair’ of that rear sight. Not just a sight but a blended masterpiece. Love the old checkered hammers and the nitre blue! Great history lesson, thank you so much!

This is truly one amazing bridge between the known, and the unknown. I’m mesmerized by the web of dates, and details. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to educate yourself AND US. Thank you.

That bluing is on a level that's rarely seen today. Even on high end Italian over and under shotguns.

M1911’s are the best side arm in the world in my opinion. Easy to field strip, hard to jam with trash, several safeties, I think it is stupid proof. I have had several over the years and when I heard colt was going to stop making them, and at the time I did not have one. I ran out and bought a colt commander blued M1911 colt commander. Since then I have had parts replaced with Wilson parts, special tritium sites mounted on the slide by the factory. It’s only short coming is they never made a 13 round capacity lower receiver group. But I still love my gun. I carried mine for years 7 in the clip one in the chamber hammer down. If I was going to be on the back wall of the citadel holding off the enemy I would want my 1911 in my hand. Three tours in RVN and a few short excursions other places always had a 1911 and my Kbar as last ditch weapons. My M16 being my primary weapon. Oh, just so you know I’m 74 yrs old and have 25 years under my belt USMC and US Army. I love your channel keep up the great work.

I can't remember exactly but I seem to recall that the Colt 1911 at the JMB museum in Ogden Utah has #1 on it. It may be a pre-production sample however. Worth the drive and stopping in, seeing JMB's own tools and firearms.

I'd love to know what happened to #10. My dad was offered it many years ago (this was probably the mid 80s in Atlanta, GA) but turned it down because the finish was gone per him, a decision he still kicks himself over to this day.

No record of 0011 and 0012. Sounds like a Colt employee helped themself to a little bonus money before Christmas.

That No.11 is by far the most beautiful 1911 I've ever seen. Amazing find! Err... Good find for your Colt collector buddy!

F.S. Boden looks like a G-Man for Elliot Ness. I could see him as a real life Tough-Guy, fighting gangsters type. It makes sense that he was a mechanic, because he would have a love for such a cool well designed piece in his possession. Neat stuff, thanks.

This video is why YouToob (RU-vid, in English) was invented!!! Thank you for yet another superb educational film. 👏👏👏

Thank you for showing us those guns, i let my dinner go cold but no matter. It was worth it.

Love your videos! America needs more honorable people like the three Generals (two who send the Colts back including the one who paid for it) more than investment tips!

i recall a Rifleman article a few years ago on this topic, they tracked down two #2 pistols.

as much as i like baretta for being the oldest company in firearms design, Browning's M1911s are some of the best and one of the most iconic firearms in existance. and look at that bluing on the 11th m1911 ever made! its amazing it didnt decondition in any major way. definitely a special firearm you got there

I know a person here in New Hampshire who bought a 1911 from a woman after her father died at age 93. It is what is known as a "Lunch Pail" 1911. It was made by Colt, is a beautiful firearm but it has no serial number and never had one. Lunch Pail 1911s, Colt estimates maybe more that 200 of them, were smuggled out of the plant, piece by piece by plant employees. It looks like a WWI gun but is missing the numbers.

Watched every second. Enjoyed every one of them as well.

Number 11 being the first 1911 of the military contract built in 1911 is just perfect.

what i like is to think of is the history of those pistols, defending someone life in a war, maybe keeping someone alive , the story they could tell, not to mention that the colt , 1911 is just a beauty and still being used in combat today , thank you sir for sharing, glad you got up at 4 for this it was worth it for us ....

the prophet John had an unworldly imagination! Been in love with this piece for 65 years now, always a symbol of the 'good guys'.

My first 1911A1 I bought at Potomac Arms in Arlington, VA. It was from the Chilean Army, all stamped on the slide, but instead of .45 cal, it was marked 11.25 mm. Wound up selling that for $50 more than what I paid for it (like a dummy) in 1966. The 1911A1 that I carried in Vietnam was made by Remington Rand. In 1961 or '62 my father used to get Argosy magazine and in one of the back pages there was a little 1½" x 2" ad selling U.S. Army surplus 1911A1s for $12. The only catch was you had to check this little box saying "I certify that I am at least 21 years of age." So since I was only 17 I naively thought the FBI would know I was lying and come get me. Oh to have those days back now.

Love the history on the 1911's. I'd love to see the early 1911's. I currently own a 1911 but it isn't a Colt. I purchased my 1911 and it is made by Taurus. I got a good deal on the price so I picked it up and I've loved this pistol ever since. I can tell you right now that it shoots straight. If you miss it is because you are aiming wrong. Of all the weapons I currently own, my 1911 is my favorite.

I have a colt 1903 that my grandfather used to carry around as a kid in the hill country while fly fishing the streams. Sweet little pistol.

I think the museum in Oklahoma you mentioned is the: Woolaroc Museum, Colt Collection, Bartlesville, OK

MY FAVORET GUN ALL TIME

Absolutely magic bit of research, well done Tom.

My inflation calculator only goes back to 1913, but $15 in 1913 would be $394 today, in case anyone is interested.

Based on your historical research and analysis you do have the 11th Colt made and looks like the first of the first military contract ever made. I do not blame you for not selling that one or any other of its linage. By the way when I was in the Army I never heard of a Beretta. We had 1911’s.

Praying you are doing well. LOVE THIS VIDEO!

Love the history here! I think there was a significant change on the pistol from 1909 to 1910 when the grip angle changed from the upright to more slanted. The thumb safety was added and the extractor went inside the slide. From then the pistol began to look like we recognise it! Please keep up the good work!

For me, my grail pistol would be a 1911 just like the one shown here, but in absolutely new condition. In that fantastic high polish Colt blued finish. It's beautiful like no other finish.

The 1911 is either a Corvette or a Kenworth, but it has lines. The Savage 1907 is lineless.

man, you can’t beat those original high polish blue finishes.

I have been a fan of the 1911 since I was a boy and appreciate these 1911 videos on your channel. Side note: I can't help but love that the 1911 is the state gun of Utah (that certainly wouldn't be a consideration in my home state of CA).

Thank you. Your presentations are great fun, and a revelation. By including provenance you bring these classic guns to life. Best wishes for your good health and safety from the U.K.

01:52 WOW.... what a beautiful piece

You are a wealth of knowledge! Thank you for your show. For unknown reasons I just love those old military handguns.

Great video Sir! My dad is retired in Oklahoma, a Vietnam Vet and 1911 guy. I told him to track down #4 in the museum

I like to collect old war pistols. They're just too pricey for someone thats 25. So far I have a 1918 colt 1911, 1920 DWM police luger and an m30 c96. Really want a p38 or a nambu next

One of Papa Browning's timeless classics!

Just to hold something that went through John Brownings hands would be amazing. You know he had to handle each of the early ones before they left the factory. Thanks for sharing.

I own a 1916 Government Model in the "Russian contract" range but not marked in Cyrillic. I love it...

In a Winchester book, they say that during WW2 they were allocated a series of serial numbers to start producing Colts for the war effort. After tooling up, they had a trial run of 50 pistols WITH THE WINCHESTER NAME on them ! However, the war came to an abrupt end , so they didn't continue the run. Forget the Singer or any other pistols, because if somebody could get ahold of just ONE of those 50 Winchesters, they could name their price. If anyone should come across one of those, I'll bet it'll be you! Can't wait to see one.

I’ve got an Augusta Arsenal rebuild likely done in the late 40’s/early 50’s, made of two main parts from WW1 or before. It’s parkerized, but you can still easily make out the circled colt on the back of the slide and of course the 1911 patent date, making it one of the early Colt 1911 slides. The Arsenal reserialized the frame with an X prefix and 7 digits but it is still marked EEC on the back of the trigger guard, the inspection stamp from a man who did that job in 1918-1919 at Remington UMC. Fascinating history, even though the two main parts didn’t come together.

thanks, yes I get up at 4AM too, habit of the old :) You DO sound well caffeinated :)

You are really the greatest expert in hand guns, German and USA developments on this planet. Greetings from Germanny to you, may God bless you.

Shoot, no matter what the case may be it's gorgeous. Wonderful piece of history right there.

I carried one while on After brow/ quarter Deck watch, in the 60's. I liked it so much I bought one, the one I used in the Navy was the straight spring housing model. Thanks Tom, great educational video on gun eye candy/porn.

I have a Aug 19 1913, Stamped Government Model, been family owned. Thanks for the awesome video. Not for sale.

The bluing on these .45's is in such bright condition I thought they had been reblued.

That is a level of pride and prestige in collecting i can't even imagine!

Yet another great, GREAT video. Please get up early more often! Thanks.

I think someone else mentioned it but #1 is still in Hartford at the CT history museum across from the statehouse. I saw it a few months ago and took a few pictures. Very large Colt exhibit there and worth stopping by if you are in the area.

I just woke up Tom (4:34am), I grabbed a cup of coffee as I do, then noticed my YT alert. As yours is the only channel I suscribe to I knew I was in for a great start to my day. :) And boy was I not wrong .. my only regret was that I wasn't there with you for morning coffee and that the video was way too short. lol At first I must admit that I was disappointed that today wouldn't be about Luger's this morning but that thought lasted only seconds as I, like you, have been spending more time admiring the 1911 and its history lately. Another most entertaining and informative video Tom ... what a great way to start my day. I have an idea for one of your future videos if I may be so bold .... that being REICHS-GENDARMERIE ( R.G.) MARKED LUGERS. Thanks so much Tom for what you and the guys @ Legacy do.

I'm amazed on how tightly fitted those Colts are. Your paying Wilson prices for that now days.

Amazing piece. I think everyone should own at least one 1911. I adore them even though they aren’t the best carry gun. I conceal a glock 19 but I own many 1911 pistols and occasionally do carry one in a shoulder holster

I have 1911 made in 1916 the holster with it was made in 1913. It is a nice brown patina and is a very solid well maintained pistol made by Colt.

FSBoden is a real treat to know you actually traveled back in time and found one of the owners of this gun ! it wud be so great if you cud do that w all your guns !!! Good detective work it was super intruiging !

Awesome video !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I absolutely love 1911's.

ive got a 1942 colt 1911a1 army that looks alot like this pistol. whoever polished and blued my pistol was going for this look.the metal prep polish is spot on the grain going the correct directions and everything is sharp and square still. it had alot of work performed on it. everything was upgraded and re fitted with military nm prefix parts. and it came with a shoe box that contained all the original gi parts and some extra stuff, an adjustable micro rear sight and 3 old two tone mags! i bought the whole lot for 300$, the parts and mags are worth twice that amount! it would cost a small fortune to pay a gun smith to preform all the work its had done.

Truely mouth watering stuff ! Keep it coming - the problem is my hands are long with short pockets ....😞

Hopefully one day you can talk about the Colt 38 Super match

It’s the afternoon. I’m coming back later when it’s time for the evening cocktail. Or two.

I believe you are looking at a pre-production pistol. According to Charles Clawson's books on the 1911s (written later than Goddard's and generally regarded as more accurate) the first 40 actual US military contract guns were assembled in late December 1911 and shipped early in January 1912. They all had the United States Property mark, serial numbers on the RH side of the frame and Ordnance acceptance marks. The fact that yours is missing those markings tells me it was probably made before the actual military production commenced. Manufacture of pistols for the commercial market began in March 1912, and those are identified by the C prefix in the serial number, which at first was on the LH side of the frame. Hope this helps.

Charles should chrome plate the 1911s and throw on some VZ grips

Just curious and a ball park guesstimate is fine. When did they (they being Colt or any other manufacture) add the lanyard loop to the spring housing rather than the magazines?? GREAT VIDEO and thanks for the presentation.

Probably even rarer is the #2 Luger in 45 ACP used in the military trials I think #1 was destroyed.

My grandfather had a Navy 1911. I am not certain which was which, but 1913 and 1914 frame and slide. My father traded it and $1.00 for a .38 semiautomatic as the guard company he was working for did not like .45. The gun store had opposite year frame and slide, so they swapped them and had a complete 1913, and a 1914. So 2 collectibles for 1 new gun. I loved that old .45 and still miss it. It was the first pistol I ever fired. My current XDm is the only semiautomatic that has been as accurate. It was smooth firing, no issues running. It was in the 80’s until he traded it early 90’s, so at the time it was 75+ years old.

Great video !!! love hearing all of the information . thanks for sharing

That bluing is awsome

this video is priceless... might be that i worship the creature of John M.Browning, but anyway... Thank You SO MUCH for sharing this, this is so amazing... that guy Charles, i kinda envy him (in a completely good way)

@Thomas Whiteman... The Savage M1907 competed against the Colt M1907, well before the 1911 Special Army. The Colt 1907 was a modified model 1905. The next Colt prototype was the 1909 (unique design), then 1910 (first prototype to look like a 1911) and 1911 Special Army (used for final approval and acceptance), then finally the M1911. The slide on this gun is an M1911 slide - not the earlier Special Army. (It is also not one of the earliest M1911 slides either.) It is my understanding that the Special Army pistols were all manufactured at the same time. These were used for final approval, and as such, pre-date the "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" slide marking. The left side marking on this gun is consistent with early M1911 slides... but not the earliest ones. The earliest slides had 2 different fonts - one for each blocks (left and right). Thus, I do not believe this is what he thinks it is. That said, I would LOVE to own this amazing pistol. Also, the horizontal "H" on the hood of the barrel is the second military variation barrel, not the first. The first was unmarked, and very scarce with only the first 400 or so guns getting one. The marking inside the frame is interesting for sure. This pistol (I believe) was more likely than not taken off the early production line before serial number, military inspection and USP markings. Possible early so-called 'lunch box' pistol... It certainly has the earliest, highly reflective blue finish and fire blued small parts, so this was during the time of the first 2400 or so pistols.

Just recent picked up a 1911 a few months ago from Springfield. Love it.

In the movie Titanic Kate Winsletts husbands body guard had a 1911 in a shoulder holster. Unlikely he could have one by as early as april 1912.

Very Interesting.... Blessings To Fellow American Patriots.. Amen

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Had to delay my breakfast a few. As with many of us the first hand gun I ever fired was a 1911 after learning to disassemble it at Elliot's Beach. Anybody remember that place? I can safely predict that I will never be without at least one and I hope there is a WWII veteran sometime in my future. Back in the day I passed on picking up one of many offered to me for a very reasonable price.I instead, like my pals, bought new Colts which, except for two, I didn't keep and as you would expect my stock market history is not to be envied.

Browning knew instinctively what was necessary in a firearm.

Great information and really well put forth! Thank you...

Since you have delivered such wonderful information, you should mention how the holster has the "charging" notch inside. The design was requested by the calvory.

21:09.....I could see him carrying two!!!

Number 1 just happens to go missing😅😆I really hope the family members of the person who pinched it know what they have. Really glad you've found this once in a life time 1911,especially in this crappy year.ThankQ.TkEZ

Your videos are wonderful Sir, thank you from Florida, Paul

Wow..... what a "great tutorial" thank you so much, enjoyed every word!

If I ever come across some money you'll be the first to know love your channel and those pistols are beautiful

The ultimate shame is that this magnificent pistol now has to be purchased from someone OTHER than Colt to get a quality firearm. In 1995 I purchased a NIB Colt Commander (L/W) to make a carry-gun. Out of the box I would estimate the pistol was about 90% finished and had to go to gunsmiths to get it into good working order (trigger, throat, feed ramp). When I bought a Kimber years later, it was 100% out of the box. I have spent much time trying to figure out how Colt has been so obtuse in the firearm market since the 1960s. I guess they were making a fortune on M-16s and didn't care. With the advent of concealed carry, near nationwide now, they COULD have sold tons of Detective Specials and Cobras, instead the abandoned the market to S&W (I own 3 642s). Duty Weapons: NONE. S&W led the way with the 39/59 and subsequent 9mms before Glock etc took off with that market. Today they make 1911s, 1873s, and even Pythons again, but I find them lacking and overpriced. Oh well, go figure.

#4 was in the National Firearms Museum in VA.

Thank you for the review, Sir. Power on.

The Canadian Army bought 5000 Colt 1911 at the start of WW1. Three are in the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum serial number C6806, C10221, and C10827. A fourth is in the Royal Alberta Museum C12749.

wonderful you take the time revealing al this great infomation. look forward to more.

Sweet and in great condition

I own a 1918 black colt 1911. I shot so far about once a year. I want to get a ww2 one someday !

Thanks! At the moment you're my favorite channel!

$14.95 in 1911 is approximately $410 in today's dollars. The only 1911 at today's dollar near that value is the Rock Island 1911 (Armscorp) at app. $450. I wish I had the 1911 my grandfather Paul Dieter carried in the campaign with General Pershing chasing Pancho Villa in 1916. He was a cavalryman in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Spoiler alert: they never caught him.

I own a Colt 1911 (not 1911A1) that was made, according to its serial number, in 1914. The original slide, which I still have but has not been assembled on the frame for several decades, was butchered by a low-skill gunsmith adding adjustable sights. I bought it in 1973 for $125.00. Its functioning is still extraordinary!

Yeah....and I’m up at 4:00AM watching you !