1911 Guru's help needed

FishDoc

FishDoc

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Hello 1911 gods and godesses... I am looking for a little info on a 1911 that I 've had for a few months. Finally got it out to shoot (nice trigger break, smooth action and no FTE's/jams in 200 rounds). It has Wilson Combat sights installed (after market for sure!)
It is registered as a Colt - but it's umm... not. It has no markings other than 1911 and .45 cal on the slide (see pics)
There are distinctive "U" stamps on the receiver, a "6 or 9" and an "S" (see pics). Also there is a 5 digit SN under the left hand grip (not pictured).
Any thoughts? And no...it's not for sale since I promised to use it until I die (besides it was almost a gift!)
thanks for all and any info (and yes I have read a lot about the 1911's out there)... Enjoy the challenge (or not)
DSC03123.jpg

two toned - though I dont know if the slide goes with the action
DSC03124.jpg

distinctive "U" stamp on left hand of receiver
DSC03125.jpg

1911 stamped (not roll stamped like Govt models) - it is blued over so it had to be done before the bluing was applied. Odd scribe though... looks almost Norc-ish?
DSC03126.jpg

.45 cal stamped on right hand side of slide
DSC03129.jpg

"U" and "S" inside of receiver
DSC03130.jpg

"6" or "9" stamp. No other markings seen or noted even with complete strip other than SN engraved on left hand side under grip.

Thoughts? comments? w:h:
 
It's a Colt WWI era military frame that has been reworked/refinished likely due to severe wear. That is why the military proofs, US military property marks, inspector initials, & factory serial number have been removed.

Several cases of these oldies came into Lever Arms in Vancouver circa 1989/1990'ish in varying condition. They sold then, complete & functional for $99. The brown checkered plastic "new" surplus grips could be also purchased from Lever for $5 a set. Those without original serial numbers had one carved into the frame under the grips for registration purposes. You can be assured it wasn't the original serial number, therefore impossible to establish the frames date of production. I would say likely the target sites were added after purchase on yours & it may have even be refinished [again] too.

On yours the "U" stamped on the trigger guard bow [and again on top of the frame forward of the disconnector] and the numbers 6 or 9 are assembler's marks. They are commonly found on military & commercial Colt frames from the era. The "S" on the top of the frame to the right of the disconnector likely stands for W.E. Strong, the "S" being his provisional inspector's mark in the 1917-1918 era, which tends to ball park date your frame. The "1911" and .45 cal on the slide were someone's additions after the original slide script was removed. Check under the firing pin stop on the side to see if there is a number stamped there.

Here's one I acquired from Lever back in the day:

Before:

Colt2.jpg


After [refinished & with new grips]:

Colt8.jpg


Colt9a.jpg


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NAA.
 
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No, if I had to lay odds I'd say it's WWI era military Colt frame. It's definitely not a post 1924 frame due to the lack of relief cuts behind the trigger guard. And the assembler's marks do it for me. Seen those hundreds of times.

Yours also has a WWI era Colt slide stop [with undercut], wide spur Colt hammer & thumb safety. Looks like it has the proper flat, smooth mainspring housing, too, with lanyard loop. I can't see from your pic if the lanyard loop is still fully intact. Lots got removed or crudely cut off. And those that remain are usually bent. Note in the pic of the one I had the lanyard loop had been cut off.

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
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