Newb looking for info *pics*

[nr_1911]

I have a really old Colt 1911 Property of U.S. Army pistol. It has no serial numbers. They have not been removed. Just looking to see if I can find any information about it. Thanks.

Have this on another forum...here is the link:
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=165622

Go to page two for photos...Any info greatly appreciated.

[exitwounds]

Does the frame have an inspectors stamp above the mag. release on the left side? If it is lacking the serial number and inspectors stamp it could be a "lunchbox pistol". Do you have any pictures you can post here, the link is referring to a site that is currently unavailable.

[nr_1911]

Does the frame have an inspectors stamp above the mag. release on the left side? If it is lacking the serial number and inspectors stamp it could be a "lunchbox pistol". Do you have any pictures you can post here, the link is referring to a site that is currently unavailable.


There is not an inspector stamp. Sorry for the bad link. Looks like that site is down. Here are the pics.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/ns_1911/left.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/ns_1911/lclose.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/ns_1911/right.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/ns_1911/rclose.jpg

[exitwounds]

The pistol appears from the pictures to be a "lunchbox" pistol. It is believed that during the war (1917 - 1918) that some employees would smuggle parts out in their lunch boxes and build complete pistols from the stolen parts. For the most part, they are more of a novelty, and more often than not are priced below serial numbered pistols of the same vintage, simply because they can not be associated to a specific time, place , or event in history. I hace seen a few over the years at gun shows that did not sell simply for that reason. The location of the USP indicates it is a pre 500000 serial number type frame. Does it have heart shaped cutouts under the grips?

[exitwounds]

I should also mention that you should look carefully at the different parts alot of lunchbox pistols were often found in various stages of finishing as far as components are concerned. Another thought is it may also be a replacement frame from the time period. Either way it was likely smuggled out.

[nr_1911]

Here are a few more photos....


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/ns_1911/closer.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/ns_1911/top.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/ns_1911/bbl.jpg

[mayagrafix]

Can we get a look at the disconnector recess on the slide?

The stamped G on the top of the receiver is correct for a USGI pistol. The slide has the old style markings, so that makes it pre-1919. The barrel marking is new to me, unless it is a "J" somehow but that would make it really early production. Does it say "45 AUTO" near the lug?

[exitwounds]

The slide has the old style markings, so that makes it pre-1919. The barrel marking is new to me, unless it is a "J" somehow but that would make it really early production.

If you rotate the photo 180 degrees you will see it is an interlaced HP barrel. Used from 1918 through the end of WW I production. The G stamp has been found on "lunchbox" pistols as well as replacement frames. According to Clawson an unumbered pistol must have an assembler's mark to qualify as a replacement pistol. (Page 3 of the Collector's Guide 3rd Edition).

[exitwounds]

The slide has the old style markings, so that makes it pre-1919. The barrel marking is new to me, unless it is a "J" somehow but that would make it really early production.

If you rotate the photo 180 degrees you will see it is an interlaced HP barrel. Used from 1918 through the end of WW I production. The G stamp has been found on "lunchbox" pistols as well as replacement frames. According to Clawson an unumbered pistol must have an assembler's mark to qualify as a replacement pistol. (Page 3 of the Collector's Guide 3rd Edition). Not sure why a replacement frame would have an assembler's mark, unless it was a standard part of the production process. ;)

[exitwounds]

Yours does not appear to have an assemblers mark. Prior to Sep. 1918 they would have been located at about the 1 o'clock position from the disconnector hole, in Sep. 1918 they were moved to the trigger guard web. Yours appears to be the "lunchbox" variety.