WTK: Did Colt have a factory nickle Commercial 1911 in the 30s

[Kenneth Lew]

I found a good deal on a 30s era 1911 that is "factory" nickled. Anyone have any references on where I verify that it is factory. Thanks.


Kenneth Lew

 

[mete]

Nickel plating ha been around for a long time .I have seen original Colts made at various times with nickel plating .I'm sure the 1911s were available nickel plated .A close examination of a gun [if you know what to look for ] will tell you if the finish , blue or nickel or anything else, is original. Refinished guns are usually repolished and that is the give away since they will have things like rounded edges. Also an original plating job sometimes will peel especially on sharp corners.

 

[Kenneth Lew]

The gun has very sharp edges throughout when compared to another 1911 from that era. The roll marks are sharp and everything is proper. Gun is still tight and the trigger is wonder. Guy is asking $450 for the gun. I'm sold on it.

Kenneth Lew

 

[stans]

Here is a little advise, even if it is a refinished 1911, as long as it was nicely refinished, at $450 it is still a great deal on a shooter! If it was produced in the 1930's then it must be a 1911-A1 and Colt did make some with the nickel finish, but they are fairly rare and bring about 50% more value than blued 1911-A1's.

 

[joeyt]

Nickled Colt

While serving in the U.S. Navy 57-61, I was issued a Nickled Colt. I don't know how old it was then. I believe they were issued to pilots due to the problem with rusting, but that is just a guess on my part. Joeyt

 

[Old Fuff]

Nickel plated finish on commercial Government Model pistols was available as a cataloged option after 1935. Prior to that date it was available on special order. Relatively few were nickeled because the .45 was considered to be a military/law enforcement service gun by most buyers. After Nickel became available it was also offered on .38 Super and National Match pistols prior to W.W. 2. Nickel continued to be available on .38 and .45 pistols after W.W. 2.

If you should purchase the pistol in question I would suggest that you confirm that the nickel finish is (or isn't) original through Colt.

 

[Bill Z]

Didn't Colt actually have some kind of trade/brand name or advertising term for the Nickle plateing? It's on the tip of my tounge but I cant remeber it.

 

[Old Fuff]

"Coltguard", but this was in the 1980's, and consisted of nickel plate over sandblasted metal.