The M1911 is a single action, semi automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, designed by John Moses Browning and adopted by the United States military in March of 1911. The pistol operates on a short recoil, locked breech system using a swinging link beneath the barrel to cam the barrel down and out of engagement with the slide after firing. A barrel bushing at the muzzle end of the slide centers and guides the barrel during cycling. Early production M1911 pistols feature a flat mainspring housing, long trigger, small grip safety, checkered thumb safety, checkered guide rod plug, checkered slide stop, and a checkered wide spur hammer. The frame incorporates a lanyard loop at the base of the mainspring housing. Military M1911 pistols bear "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the left side of the frame and "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" on the right side of the slide. Standard military grip panels were checkered walnut with double diamond reinforcement patterns surrounding the grip screw escutcheons.

This example was manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1914. Springfield Armory served as the U.S. government's primary arsenal and assisted in M1911 production alongside Colt, utilizing their own acceptance and proof marking in the form of the flaming bomb, the symbol of the U.S. Army Ordnance Department. Three flaming bomb ordnance proof marks are present on this pistol -- on the barrel hood, right side trigger guard, and on the left side of the frame, above the magazine release. Springfield Armory produced M1911 pistols differ from their Colt counterparts in several respects, most notably the front sight, which on SA pistols is integral to the slide rather than being a separate pinned or staked blade as found on Colt production. The right side grip panel is walnut with the double diamond checkered pattern. The left side grip panel has been replaced and does not feature the diamond pattern. Accompanied by one magazine, no original box or accessories included.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
• Model: M1911
• Date of Manufacture: 1914
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Single action, short recoil
• Barrel: 5 inches
• Frame: Steel, U.S. property marked, lanyard loop
• Slide: Steel, right side marked "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY," integral front sight
• Grips: Right side walnut with double diamond checkered pattern, left side replacement
• Sights: Integral blade front, rear notch
• Safety: Checkered thumb safety, grip safety
• Mainspring Housing: Flat, with lanyard loop
• Magazines: One 7-round magazine