Colt Model 1911 Transitional
Serial Number 707356
GunBroker-observed 1924 Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army transitional pistol from the scarce 10,000-pistol Springfield Armory delivery group, with seller-claimed factory original finish, correct unnumbered slide, W.T.G. inspection mark, intertwined HP barrel, K barrel stamp, and Colt two-tone pinned-base magazine.
Collector Grade
Serial number 707356 is documented here as a scarce 1924 Colt Model 1911 transitional pistol. The pistol retains the earlier MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY slide marking while representing the improved transitional pattern that led into the standardized M1911A1.
The seller describes this example as 100% correct, factory original, and never refinished. The photos show a strong blue-finish pistol with scattered thinning, spotting, and light pitting. Because the originality claim is a major value driver, this record should preserve the claim but mark it as requiring independent verification.
Evidence Gallery
Why This Pistol Matters
Colt serial number 707356 is significant because it falls in the scarce 1924 transitional group, commonly described as a bridge between the original WWI Model 1911 and the later standardized M1911A1. These pistols are important because they retained the early Model of 1911 U.S. Army slide markings while incorporating improved features requested after service use of the original M1911.
The seller states this pistol is one of the 10,000 Colt transitional pistols delivered to Springfield Armory and describes it as factory original throughout. If verified, that places this example among the more desirable U.S. military Colt 1911 variants.
Component Review
| Frame | Colt U.S. property frame, serial number 707356, with W.T.G. inspector monogram reported by the seller and G/H markings near the disconnector hole. |
| Slide | Colt MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY slide with Colt patent dates, Rampant Colt, and Colt P.T.F.A. Mfg. Co. Hartford, CT U.S.A. markings. |
| Slide Interior | Seller describes the slide as correctly unnumbered with Frank Hosmer serifed H and government G markings. |
| Barrel | Seller states the pistol has the correct intertwined HP barrel with K stamp on the bottom. Photos show barrel marking evidence, but final confirmation should be retained with close-ups. |
| Finish | Seller claims factory original brushed blue finish with no refinish. Photos show a strong blue finish with thinning, spotting/freckling, and old fine pitting, especially on the slide. |
| Small Parts | Seller notes correct early features including checkered walnut grips, serrated mainspring housing, milled trigger, wide spur hammer, and polished small parts. |
| Magazine | Seller states one correct Colt two-tone pinned-base magazine is included. |
| Bore | Seller describes bore as very good with light frost. |
| Provenance | Offered at no reserve on GunBroker from the seller's personal collection. Observed 29 May 2026. |
Originality and Significance Scorecard
Preliminary overall score: 53/60. Score reflects a high-importance transitional Colt with seller-claimed originality. Final score depends on in-hand finish, barrel, magazine, and small-parts verification.
Transitional Model Production Marker
Serial number 707356 falls in the 1924 Colt transitional group associated with the first improved 1911A1-type features while still bearing Model of 1911 U.S. Army slide markings.
Production and Historical Context
1924 Transition Run
Seller describes this pistol as part of the 10,000-pistol Colt transitional group delivered to Springfield Armory.
Early Markings
Retains MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY slide marking rather than later M1911A1 slide language.
Improved Features
Represents the design bridge between the WWI Model 1911 and the standardized M1911A1.
Market Record
Observed on GunBroker as a no-reserve sale from a private collection.
Open Documentation Items
- Confirm W.T.G. inspector monogram in close-up.
- Confirm intertwined HP barrel mark and K stamp on the bottom of barrel.
- Confirm slide underside G and serifed H markings.
- Confirm two-tone pinned-base Colt magazine details.
- Independently verify the no-refinish / factory-original finish claim.
- Record final GunBroker sale price after auction closes.
- Upload final web-ready image set to the repository.
Research Notes
Seller description summary: The seller describes this as a 1924 Colt Model 1911 transitional pistol, serial number 707356, one of 10,000 delivered to Springfield Armory, with correct unnumbered slide, W.T.G. inspector monogram, serifed H, government G, intertwined HP barrel, K barrel stamp, original brushed blue finish, correct early parts, and a Colt two-tone pinned-base magazine.
Provenance note: Observed for sale on GunBroker on 29 May 2026. Seller stated it came from his personal collection and was offered at no reserve.
Classification: High-importance 1924 Colt transitional Model 1911. Originality and finish status should be verified before final valuation.