1914 Canadian Colt 1911? - What do I have?

[mileageman]

Fellow CGN memebers I'm looking for some insight on this Colt 1911 pistol I own. What exactly do I have here? I believe it to be a 1914 Colt Commerical 1911 that was bought by the Canadian government in 1914, as the serial number falls within the range purchased by the Canadian government, at least that is what the internet tells me. How would I go about finding out for sure? Are there any specific stamps / markings on the pistol I should look for? Also how much would it be worth? It might be time for me to pass this onto the next collector.

Cheers
Mileageman

 

[mileageman]

Should I also post this in the pistol forum?

 

[Shooting Centre]

You can always ask Colt for a factory letter confirming the history.

 

[mileageman]

You can always ask Colt for a factory letter confirming the history.

Yes I did see that on their website. Was planning on calling them tomorrow.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I have owned several of these. It "fits" the serial range. You can get a letter from Colt and that is the best way to confirm.

I have noticed a few different Canadian markings as well.

- Look on the base of the magazine. Often there will be a light C Broad arrow stamp.
- by the trigger guard I have noticed C broad arrow stamps as well, but by the looks of yours it is not there
- It is on the higher end of the serial number range, but the holster wear and everything else (parts / bluing ) look to be accurate for a Canadian Commerial 1911 from WW1

Good Luck!

 

[30-06 nitro]

Hello.
Fantastic original example for all to referance.
Thank you for sharing.
Cheers!

 

[green]

These arms were not shipped in a solid block of serial numbers.
Example lot of 3800 pistols shipped to J Wesley Allison for Cdn Govt was shipped 1-10 Oct 1914 serial numbers C8000-c13500

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

There is another CGNer listing for sale a group of extraordinary WW1 M1911s with extremely detailed photos. Price ranges were mid 4-figures and up! Hit him up for a conversation.

 

[cooey43]

These arms were not shipped in a solid block of serial numbers.
Example lot of 3800 pistols shipped to J Wesley Allison for Cdn Govt was shipped 1-10 Oct 1914 serial numbers C8000-c13500

This is correct. Canadian military guns do fall into a serial # block BUT not all of that block went to Canada.
You must get a Colt Factory letter to confirm ownership.