Help with an Old Colt 1911 (pics)**serial number added**

[Ronald T]

Wow

OK, I've joined CGN. I found all these posts by accident as I was looking around. It is clear many of you feel I should keep the pistol. I appreciate all your input but will move the pistol and conversion kit. This firearm was not one of my Father's prized possessions and we talked many times about eventually moving it. If the pistol had history in the family, this would be a non-issue. There are firearms, inherited, that will not be sold, and will be passed down to my grandchildren. Again I thank all of you for your input and will attempt to answer some of the questions that have been raised on this string. I can also be reached via email at rpvl@telus.net. I will be attempting better images and until I can figure out how to load them on this site, will make them available via email. Thank you

Ron

 

[Ronald T]

More information

I field stripped the Colt and found the following;

1. Barrel is marked Colt 45 Auto and stamped with a P

2. Removing firing pin cover, there is an H stamped there.

3. Under side of slide, at forward end of firing pin housing a G is stamped and what appears to be a + symbol.

4. Checking the font on the slide vs the frame, the slide is bolder.

5. One Magazine with loop has no markings I can see.

6. One magazine, no loop, also no visible markings

7. One magazine stamped on magazine base COLT .45 AUTO.

The pistol was very dirty and I will clean it up and send new pistures. Advice please. Should I attempt to restore this pistol or clean it up and leave it as it is. Ny original thought was to sell this item and purchase a firearm I will use regularly. I get the feeling this is probably not a firearm I would take to the range on a weekly basis. I would apprciate any comments on what I have submitted.

 

[NAA]

I field stripped the Colt and found the following;

1. Barrel is marked Colt 45 Auto and stamped with a P

2. Removing firing pin cover, there is an H stamped there.

3. Under side of slide, at forward end of firing pin housing a G is stamped and what appears to be a + symbol.

4. Checking the font on the slide vs the frame, the slide is bolder.

5. One Magazine with loop has no markings I can see.

6. One magazine, no loop, also no visible markings

7. One magazine stamped on magazine base COLT .45 AUTO.

The pistol was very dirty and I will clean it up and send new pistures. Advice please. Should I attempt to restore this pistol or clean it up and leave it as it is. Ny original thought was to sell this item and purchase a firearm I will use regularly. I get the feeling this is probably not a firearm I would take to the range on a weekly basis. I would apprciate any comments on what I have submitted.

PM sent with my .02..................

 

[NAA]

Trigger & Grip Safety

Also, two more things noticed.... The trigger is not original to the pistol.... It is a WWII era "stamped" short trigger. Probably installed when the arched mainspring housing was installed.

And the grip safety appears to be the later "long tang" as seen when the 1911 went to the 1911A1 configuration, circa 1924.

So.... list of parts not original to this 1918 mfg 1911:

1. Grips [are WWII era Colt plastic grips].

2. Mainspring housing [Arched, so post 1924].

3. Trigger [Later WWII era stamped trigger].

4. Grip safety [Long tang, so post 1924].

5. Barrel [ Barrels marked "Colt .45 Auto" are post 1937 mfg].