M1911 & M1911A1 Finish Reference

This page documents common finish styles seen on U.S. military M1911 and M1911A1 pistols.

Finish TypeCollector Notes
Blue FinishAssociated with earlier production periods.
Brushed BlueSeen on some transitional and wartime examples.
Parkerized FinishCommon on WWII production and service pistols.
Arsenal RefinishMay indicate depot or arsenal processing.