Springfield 1911 Question

[knifeman32]

Hi guys, Can anyone help me identify this gun? I realize that it is a Springfield Armory 1911 that was once army issued. According to the research that I have looked at online, The serial number that is on the frame doesn't match the serial numbers in which Springfield produced 1911's during WWI. I am extremely confused unless the frame and slide serial numbers don't match. For those of your who read my previous thread about the Colt 1911, this is once again for my neighbor that has been tirelessly looking for an original 1911 that was used in service. Attached are a few photos. Any idea what the value would be and any information about this gun would be helpful. Thanks guys.

 

[knifeman32]

Here are a few more photos.

 

[knifeman32]

And here are a few more. Thanks for any help guys!

 

[smalls]

Delete, misread the OP.

 

[knifeman32]

Smalls, I apologize but you are incorrect. Springfields were issued 1914-1917 because colt couldn't keep up with the demand. At least according to the last serial number website that I took a look at. I may be incorrect but I am judging this off of a serial number website.

 

[surjimmy]

Springfields, Ithaca, Remington Rand, Union Switch & Signal to name a few.

 

[1911Tuner]

Probably a mismatch. Springfield slide on a Colt or Remington frame. (Remington Arms...not Remington Rand) Sometimes it happened on the armorer level, and sometimes the result of an unscrupulous dealer attempting to convince the buyer that he has a rare find.

Springfield frames have an ordnance escutcheon on the frame where the inspector's initials would be on a Colt.

 

[knifeman32]

Thanks Tuner, I knew you would be the one to answer this question. Thanks for the help. I look forward to meeting you sometime next week!! Take care.

 

[1911Tuner]

Bring the pistol along and we'll get into the serial numbers.

 

[hAkron]

I don't have anything to add to this discuission other than to say "WOW! Cool old 1911"

 

[knifeman32]

Tuner, It's not actually in my possession. My neighbor is an older gentleman that served in the army. He has been tirelessly looking for a 1911 army issue from 1913. I believe that was the year in which his father served. I have been helping him with the photos that he has been sending me. I just basically ask the questions for him because he isn't internet savvy. Nonetheless, I look forward to meeting with you. Have a good rest of the weekend.

 

[1911Tuner]

Understood. Shoot me a PM with the serial numbers and I'll see what I can find.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Regardless of the outcome that is a fine looking 1911. Looks like it has been there and done that. Only the pistol knows the definition of "that."

 

[Jim Watson]

Serial number 20825 is a 1913 Colt receiver.
It got a Springfield slide somewhere along the line.
We read of group cleaning excercises, or a private assigned to clean the officers' sidearms and no attempt made to match up parts when reassembling the guns.
Or it might have been a field repair, parts of broken guns assembled into one functional weapon.
It hasn't been Parkerized and I don't see any 1911A1 parts so it is probably not an official arsenal rework as done to so many pistols.
It hasn't been prettied up as you might expect of a fake.

I think it is probably legitimate even though the collectors and speculators will turn up their noses at it, and resale value is not great. If he wants a nice looking example, it will do but I would not pay a lot of money for it.