Something for the 1911 folks... hopefully it will someday be mine

[h0ss]

Hi. Just wanted to post some pics of my dads WW1 1911. Unfortunately it wasnt handed down through our family. It was aquired by my father through a purchase, but its still a very cool piece that im proud of, and he has promised it to me when he dies (however sad as it is to think about ).

Its a low 5-digit serial number 17***, and if i remember correctly, was manufactured in 1913. It still has the original mag, and most of the bluing is worn, however some still remains on the safety Pretty well scratched up, too. But it still shoots great

Anyway, i apologize for the quality of the pics, but i only have 2 cameras, and this is the best i could get. I hope you enjoy looking at them

 

[h0ss]

next set

 

[h0ss]

Well, there it is. I just wish i knew the history on it. That would be very neat. Anyone know of a website that i might be able to check that out?

 

[Jim Watson]

You can read about them in general at www.coolgunsite.com but it is very unlikely that you would be able to trace an individual gun. There is no registry of guns issued to US troops. There is some published information on where a batch of guns was shipped to be issued, but I don't have the books.

 

[Baba Louie]

Follow the links within to get some info based on serial number

http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

 

[David N]

There's nothing wrong with the quality of your pics, although I would like to see all the "writing" on the gun.

 

[Baba Louie]

Love that radius rear sight. That is so much more pleasing for the design shape. (might use a little wider opening for older eyes is all) Were all the old ones so shaped?

Also note the original patent date of 1897 (concept) last of Feb 14 1911 (accepted design).

h0ss, note that the older versions heat treating is not up to current snuff, so treat that 95 year old lady gently if you do ever get to take her out for a range date. You might want to buy some new springs as well (keep the originals!) should that come to pass.

 

[1911Tuner]

Love those old warhorses. Just at a quick glance, the mag catch lock isn't original/correct for the year. Not uncommon, though. They were usually swapped for the later designs out as the guns were serviced at the unit level, along with the larger radiused slidestops.

Nice. Lotsa character.

 

[h0ss]

Thanks, guys. I did not know that about the mags, so i guess it isn't original, but it looks pretty old.

NeveraVictimAgain: I thought i did capture all of the writing on both sides. I just got close up pics so it could be read well.

 

[Old Fuff]

Send a P.M. (Personal Message) to me (Old Fuff) with the full serial number and I should be able to tell you the day it was shipped from the Colt factory, and to where. It would most likely be "Comanding Officer; Springfield Armory," but it could have been somewhere else.