1916 colt pistol question

BC Mike

BC Mike

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Can any of the early colt pistol experts help me with the marks on the frame's front strap of this beauty 1916 colt commercial I just got from a fellow CGN'r? Hard to see in the picture but look at the drawing - Almost sure of the letter C but the others are all correct for sure and in a line going down.

Thanks,
Mike

1916ColtCRt.jpg


1916ColtCommercial.jpg


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IMGP71582.jpg
 
Garand said:
I also have a 1916 mfg Colt Commercial Model in .45 and mine has no markings at all on the front strap. Probably put on by a previous owner.
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Normally I wouldn't expect any marking on a commercial model but I have found out that many were used in the military and especially so in canada. These marks are more than one would expect from a private owner.

Thanks,
Mike
 
The Canadian gov't bought 5,000 Colt Commercial models in 1914, from serial numbers C3000-C13500. Final shipment was 14 Nov 1914. I have 2 Canadian contract pistols, these were the only 1911 guns purchased by the Gov't in WW1.
 
Garand said:
The Canadian gov't bought 5,000 Colt Commercial models in 1914, from serial numbers C3000-C13500. Final shipment was 14 Nov 1914. I have 2 Canadian contract pistols, these were the only 1911 guns purchased by the Gov't in WW1.
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That said there were still "private purchase" Colt commercial government models during the WWI period... ;)

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
NAA said:
That said there were still "private purchase" Colt commercial government models during the WWI period... ;)

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
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I have the colt government Model book by Goddard with the info Garand offers but as you say there were private purchase pistols used by military. The stamp is distinctive and goes beyond what you would expect from a private owner. NAA I think you have a number of US property pistols don't you? Ever heard of such a stamp?

Mike
 
BC Mike said:
I have the colt government Model book by Goddard with the info Garand offers but as you say there were private purchase pistols used by military. The stamp is distinctive and goes beyond what you would expect from a private owner. NAA I think you have a number of US property pistols don't you? Ever heard of such a stamp?

Mike
Click to expand...

Hi Mike - I have one 1914 mfg Colt government model, sn # C 81XX, but has not extra proofs, stamps or markings on it.

2007-10-28_210154_zColtComm1.jpg


I also have a 1917 mfg Colt 1911 military US Property model, sn 160,### also no extra proofs, stamps or markings.... [unfortunately it has been refinished.... :(]

2007-10-27_215139_zUSGIb.jpg


That said I have seen a few examples of Colt government commercial models that have been engraved, usually with names & unit markings. Sometimes on the slide but often on the front strap, as in your case, or on the flat mainspring housing.

I have never seen anything like in your example here. Is it in fact stamped or engraved into the finish?

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
Garand said:
The Canadian gov't bought 5,000 Colt Commercial models in 1914, from serial numbers C3000-C13500. Final shipment was 14 Nov 1914. I have 2 Canadian contract pistols, these were the only 1911 guns purchased by the Gov't in WW1.
Click to expand...

Garand do either of your contract pistols have any goverment marks on them?

Mike
 
NAA said:
Hi Mike - I have one 1914 mfg Colt government model, sn # C 81XX, but has not extra proofs, stamps or markings on it.

I also have a 1917 mfg Colt 1911 military US Property model, sn 160,### also no extra proofs, stamps or markings.... [unfortunately it has been refinished.... :(]

That said I have seen a few examples of Colt government commercial models that have been engraved, usually with names & unit markings. Sometimes on the slide but often on the front strap, as in your case, or on the flat mainspring housing.

I have never seen anything like in your example here. Is it in fact stamped or engraved into the finish?
Click to expand...

The marks are each made by an individual die as they don't line up perfectly. If the symbols weren't there I'd think maybe an institution like a bank but I think they used mostly revolvers. I think any private owner would either scratch or engrave initials but the symbols seem to be some kind of official logo.

Mike
 
I just checked my pistols again ;

C93XX has only the markings as listed on ww w.cool gunsite,

C98XX has the canadian broad arrow on the front of the base of the magazine, and on the front strap, just below the trigger guard is

"27 PM"
"38"

and just above the mag well on the front strap is;

"N" "I5"


Unfortunately neither of the barrels on my 1914 Colts are original and the original barrel on my 1916 (C 344XX) has seen far, far better days.

I hope this helps.
 
I own this Colt - #91xx
I believe it to be a Canadian contract (the Colt letter has been ordered and will prove or dis-prove this)
It has a "crown" over a "V" proof on both the slide and frame (just visible in the pics - sorry, my cheap camera just can't do any better)

100_5423.jpg

proofcloseup.jpg
 
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