iamkris
Member
I have quite a few 1911's -- a Colt, Les Baer, Dan Wesson, Para, Kimber -- but they are all relatively modern production. However, I need some help ID-ing an early 1911.
Below are some pix I took to help a buddy out. This pistol was purchased used about 50 years ago by the buddy's uncle, they willed to the buddy's father 10 years ago when the uncle died. Now the buddy is getting this pistol from his father.
When he asked me to look at it, the fuzzy picture revealed a S/N of 472xxx. That puts it as a military 1911 model built in 1918. What I saw really confused me...see the pictures below.
What is this pistol?
1) Is it an early government frame that has been very nicely refinished and mated with a later commercial slide?
2) It is an excellent bubba job of professional refinishing?
3) Is it an early commercial pistol that was diverted to military duty and not marked?
4) Is it a variant that I can't find in my (relatively short) research?
My guess was #1 above, but is there some obvious thing am I missing? Thanks in advance
Below are some pix I took to help a buddy out. This pistol was purchased used about 50 years ago by the buddy's uncle, they willed to the buddy's father 10 years ago when the uncle died. Now the buddy is getting this pistol from his father.
When he asked me to look at it, the fuzzy picture revealed a S/N of 472xxx. That puts it as a military 1911 model built in 1918. What I saw really confused me...see the pictures below.
- The pistol is a fairly high polish, commercial style finish. It is a quite old finish, with old wear marks near the muzzle from carrying.
- Inside the pistol, at the 6 o'clock position is a "G" stamp, indicating that it is a government model ("S" indicates commerical).
- The S/N has no C prefix that you would see on a commercial model.
- The frame has no "US Property" stamp on it on either side.
- The slide does not have a "MODEL OF 1911 US ARMY" on its right side...it is blank
- The left side of the slide has the rampant pony inbetween the two sets of patent dates
- Vertical slide serrations
- There is no indication of refinishing...all the rollmarks are deep and crisp...there are no grind marks indicating getting rid of markings. Edges are not turned indicating lots of stripping and polishing
What is this pistol?
1) Is it an early government frame that has been very nicely refinished and mated with a later commercial slide?
2) It is an excellent bubba job of professional refinishing?
3) Is it an early commercial pistol that was diverted to military duty and not marked?
4) Is it a variant that I can't find in my (relatively short) research?
My guess was #1 above, but is there some obvious thing am I missing? Thanks in advance
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