1911 slide markings

[72 Broncoman]

Has anybody beside me noticed the port side[model 1911 u.s army] to be in different locations ,some start slightly under the port and others 1/4-1/2 inch farther to the right. Was this common in manufacturing or am i reading something into this for no reason.Your ideas or knowledge will be helpful,THANKS. [I still save my canned peaches for breakfast]

[exitwounds]

There is variations in size and style, and that accounts for for some shift.
The Roman style with serifs found on sn 1 - @180000, 209587 - 210386, and 215387 - 215786 were the smallest font, Block style without serifs found about 180000 - @270000 were mid sized. The style was later used again in 1919 toward the end of production and continued until sn 712349. Letters were increased in size from 3/32" to 7/64" in size and account for larger letters, this began about 260000. Most of this is from die changes due to wear. In addition to size and font, some direction shifting is noticed as a result. Markings on the REM -UMC, Colt commercial/Military slides of mid 1918 are different altogether. There is certainly shifting that you mention, but 1/2" may be a bit on the extreme.

[72 Broncoman]

Thanks for letting me know that I wasnt seeing things. I have asked others and they all seemed to think I was wacko. Never saw it in person but have picked up on it in photos fairly often. I agree 1/2 was to extreme,1/4 more like it. Your a good man Exitwound !!

[72 Broncoman]

Also Exitwounds I forgot to tell you I'd be proud to share my canned peaches with you anytime