Description:
General Specs: Colt, Year 1924, .45acp, 38oz
Serial Number: 701749
Here we have a Model of 1911 U.S. Army “Transition Model” .45 acp built in 1924. This is a significant collectible 1911 that was owned by a prominent active duty officer, Colonel Bill J. Tutin, U.S. Army who served in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam, all the while with this desirable Colt 1911 on his side. The original Model of 1911 had some shortcomings noted during active use in WWI, most notably the pinching of the hand by the grip safety, an unsatisfactory trigger shape, and a flat mainspring housing. . In 1920, with anticipation of a large order of Model 1911 pistols by the Ordnance Dept, these shortcomings were documented and Colt was contracted to make changes to the Model of 1911 and by 1922 Colt had delivered 10 samples to be examined. The changes were accepted and an order for 10,000 pistols was placed with the new serial number range starting at 700001. Once this contract was fulfilled in 1924, the new pistol was referred to as the “Modified Pistol, Caliber .45, Model 1911”. By 1926 the Modified Pistol was what we all now know as the Model 1911A1. The 1911 offered here, sn701749, was shipped in the second batch of 1000 pistols to the U.S. Gov’t on February 7, 1924. This pistol was issued to Col. Tutin in 1935 and remains in fine, untouched original condition as meticulously maintained by him until it came to our hands via his family. The only change to the pistol is that it sports a barrel of a later date. We have disassembled the pistol and photographed all inspector stamps, serial numbers, assembly numbers, etc. and the gun is correct in every way except the barrel. The metal retains most of the original blue and there are no areas of rust or pits. This pistol was cared for. It comes with one correct magazine, a second period magazine, cleaning rods and jags, and Col. Tutin’s personal shoulder holster. The bore is pristine and has sharp, strong rifling. The grips are original and in excellent condition. Colonel Tutin was a U.S. Army Airborne glider pilot in WWII, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, served active duty in Korea and Vietnam, was a U.S. Attache in the Middle East, and retired in 1969. From the stories told to his family, he was on the battlefields in each war. This 1911 Transition Colt is important and documented by a Colt Archive letter as being a coveted Transition model 1911. Add to that having been carried by one storied officer throughout 4 decades and remains in stellar condition, this is a Colt 1911 that should be in your collection! Please look at the provenance provided with this pistol and realize that more information is available about this warrior, Colonel William Tutin. Thanks for looking!
BARRELS
Barrel Length: 5" *****
Bores: excellent*****
% Blue: 85% factory*****
Sights: fixed *****
ACTION
Action: semi auto*****
Case Color: frame 70% blue, slide 60% blue*****
Screws: excellent *****
STOCK
Type: checkered walnut grips*****
There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine firearm. Call us for full details.
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
Colt
Model:
701749
Caliber:
.45 ACP
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: See Description
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
