History of WWI Primer 185: Foreign 1911s Documentary

Published on October 3, 2023
Duration: 53:52

This documentary explores the history of Colt's foreign contracts for the M1911 pistol, focusing on its adoption and use by various nations during and after World War I. It details the technical specifications and modifications required for different calibers, particularly the .455 Auto for British service, and contrasts it with the standard .45 ACP. The video also touches upon the development and adoption of the Webley Self-Loader and the logistical challenges faced by Colt in supplying allied nations.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1911 .455 Auto variant was developed for British contracts, requiring frame and magazine well modifications to accept the .455 Webley Automatic cartridge. Distinctive markings like 'W' or 'E' and a barrel relief cut differentiated it from the standard .45 ACP model.

Chapters

  1. 00:21Introduction: Colt .455 Webley
  2. 00:53Sponsor: Ballistol
  3. 01:37Support the Channel: Patreon
  4. 01:57Colt's Foreign Sales Efforts
  5. 03:12Nichols and Stone's European Trip
  6. 03:36FN and Browning Patents
  7. 04:52Colt-FN Agreement (1912)
  8. 06:18British Pistol Trials (1910)
  9. 07:27Webley Adoption and .455 Auto Cartridge
  10. 07:59First Foreign Contracts: South America
  11. 08:04Argentine Navy Contracts
  12. 10:43Argentine Modello 1916 Details
  13. 13:49World War I and US Neutrality
  14. 14:15Canadian Expeditionary Force
  15. 15:12Canadian Colt 1911 Orders
  16. 15:55United Kingdom Colt 1911 Sales
  17. 16:44British Government Contracts (.45 ACP)
  18. 18:22JP Morgan and British Arms Needs
  19. 18:43Colt .455 Auto Production for Britain
  20. 19:19Colt .455 Auto Markings and Features
  21. 21:36Colt .455 Auto Frame Marking 'E'
  22. 23:16British .455 Auto Shipments
  23. 24:03US Entry and Continued British Orders
  24. 25:22British Proofing and Markings
  25. 25:52Initial Favored Users of .455 Auto
  26. 26:43Other Buyers: Norway and France
  27. 27:20French 1911 Purchases
  28. 28:25Russia: The Number Two Purchaser
  29. 28:33Russian Interest in Browning Products
  30. 30:00FN's Version of the 1911
  31. 30:27Russian Trials: FN vs. Colt
  32. 30:43Russian Shortages During WWI
  33. 32:06Pistols as Tertiary Concern for Russia
  34. 32:31Allied Intervention and Russian Procurement
  35. 33:40British Order for Russian 1911s
  36. 34:51Russian Revolution and Shipment Halt
  37. 36:09Minor Shipments: Netherlands & Philippines
  38. 36:26May's Comparison: .455 vs. .45 ACP
  39. 37:16Comparing Colt 1911 Variants
  40. 39:06The .455 Auto Cartridge Difference
  41. 41:19Colt 1911 .455 Auto Modifications
  42. 43:26Perceived Differences in Shooting
  43. 44:47Comparison: 1911 vs. Webley Self-Loader
  44. 45:22Ergonomics and Handling Comparison
  45. 46:51Sights Comparison: 1911 vs. Webley
  46. 49:08Slide Release and Safety Comparison
  47. 50:06Final Preference: 1911 vs. Webley
  48. 50:42Conclusion and Future Episodes
  49. 51:22Acknowledgements and Thanks
  50. 52:54Next Episode Teaser

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main differences between the Colt 1911 .45 ACP and the .455 Auto variants?

The Colt 1911 .455 Auto required modifications to the frame and magazine well to accommodate the slightly wider, semi-rimmed .455 Auto cartridge. It also featured a relief cut in the barrel's rear and was often marked with 'W' for Webley or 'E' for Eley.

Which countries purchased Colt 1911 pistols during World War I?

During WWI, Colt 1911 pistols were purchased by various countries including Argentina, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, and Norway. These contracts varied in caliber and specific markings based on national requirements.

Why did Colt develop the .455 Auto variant of the 1911?

Colt developed the .455 Auto variant primarily for British military contracts. This was to chamber the .455 Webley Automatic cartridge, which was the standard for British automatic pistols at the time, allowing them to use existing ammunition supplies.

How did the Colt-FN agreement affect international sales of Browning pistols?

The Colt-FN agreement of July 1, 1912, divided the global market for John Browning's pistol patents. Colt secured rights in North and Central America, while FN held rights in Europe, establishing clear territories for each company's sales and manufacturing.

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