In 98% mint crisp condition, we have an exceptional fine example of an October, 1944 production Colt 1911a1 US Army Service Pistol. This pistol is in nearly new condition and it is in 100% factory original with a mint bore, hardly every had any more use than being played with. This is a pristine example of Colt made 1911a1 at the height of wartime production. In 1944 Colt produced more 1911a1 pistols than any other year, totaling over 162,000. Still with that being said to find one that survived the war in this little more than slightly handled condition is a real find.
The really neat part about this example is that is so well documented, it was issued to 1st Lt Charles Etter of the 801st Engineer Aviation Battalion and when he left the service he purchased his pistol for $38.00 as Army Officers were allowed to retain there side arm if they wished. It is a rare occurrence indeed to know who was issued with what pistol. This well decorated unit Built Air Bases in the Azores before moving to the Pacific where they were at Saipan, Eniwetok and Okinawa. there is extensive documentation on the internet regarding this unit.
