WW1 French Contract Colt 1911 for Tank Crewmen

Published on July 8, 2020
Duration: 9:00

This video provides an expert-level review of a rare French Contract Colt 1911, specifically one of 5,000 purchased by the French government during WWI for specialized troops like tank crews. Ian McCollum details its historical context, procurement, unique French designation of .45 ACP as 11.25mm, and the authentication process via Colt Historian records, highlighting its rarity due to lack of military markings.

Quick Summary

The French Contract Colt 1911 is a rare variant, with 5,000 commercial 'Government Model' pistols purchased by France during WWI for tank crews. It's notable for the French designation of .45 ACP as '11.25mm' and requires Colt Historian documentation for authentication due to a lack of military markings.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: French Contract Colt 1911
  2. 00:39France's Handgun Shortage in WWI
  3. 02:30Procurement Details
  4. 03:18Usage and French Designation
  5. 04:16Physical Markings and Features
  6. 05:31Authentication via Colt Historian
  7. 07:25Post-War Fate and Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the French Contract Colt 1911 unique?

The French Contract Colt 1911 is unique because it was one of 5,000 commercial 'Government Model' pistols purchased by France during WWI. These were issued to specialized troops like tank crews and bore the French designation '11.25mm' for the .45 ACP cartridge.

How can one authenticate a French Contract Colt 1911?

Authenticating a French Contract Colt 1911 typically requires documentation from the Colt Historian's office. These pistols lack specific military proofs, so official shipment records tied to the serial number are essential for verification.

Why did France need to import handguns during WWI?

France faced a significant handgun shortage in WWI due to unanticipated demand for sidearms for specialized roles like pilots and tank crews. They imported various models, including Colt 1911s, from the US and Spain to fill this gap.

What were the early 1911 features on the French Contract model?

The French Contract Colt 1911 retained early design elements such as the absence of trigger guard scallops, early-style sights, and a flat mainspring housing, distinguishing it from later production models.

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