Information needed on a Colt M1911 made in 1918???

[FiringPinStop]

I'm looking at a Colt serial numbered for 1918, however, all the rollmarks look right except on the right side slide it is not marked Model of 1911 U.S. Army.

It's not a commercial, since the serial number doesn't begin with a C...left side has the United States Property

Left has the Pony between the patent dates and printed logo.

So, what do I have here?
A scrubbed slide or not the correct slide to frame match?
Did Colt ever not rollmark the right side with Model of 1911 U.S. Army?
If it is a parts gun, what is it worth in decent shape?

I'd like to get an idea if this gun is worth buying, but that lack of a rollmark really has me wondering about value.

Any comments would be appreciated as I need to make a decision ASAP on this handgun...thanks

FPS

[OD*]

Did Colt ever not rollmark the right side with Model of 1911 U.S. Army?
Yes.

It sounds as though it has a post-1938 A1 slide.

[FiringPinStop]

That's a good guess...how does that effect the value?


FPS

[OD*]

Is it stamped as an arsenal refurbish, or is it just a slide swap?

[FiringPinStop]

Well, I really don't know what to look for to ascertain whether it's a rebuild or not. I'll be looking at the 1911 tomorrow before this fellow heads back to Arizona, and I have to decide right then if I want to buy it.

What should I look for and just a ballpark price under both conditions would be appreciated...you've been a big help so far, OD -- thank you


FPS

[OD*]

If it's an arsenal rebuild, it should have (not always though) one of the following markings on the receiver;
AA = Augusta Arsenal
AN = Anniston Arsenal
BA = Benecia Arsenal
MR = Mt Rainer Ordinance Depot
OG = Ogden Arsenal
RA = Raritan Arsenal
RIA = Rock Island Arsenal
RRA = Red River Arsenal
SA = Springfield Arsenal
SAA = San Antonio Arsenal

usually found on the left side, but can be found on the right also. As for value, one of the true collectors here can answer that better than me, I'm just an accumulator, sorry. ;)

[FiringPinStop]

Great, thanks again...I'll wait for a few others to comment...


FPS

[OD*]

You're welcome sir.

I'll wait for a few others to comment...
Excellent idea. ;)


Also, I will move this thread to the correct forum, US Government Issue Pistols.

[Doran]

The front and rear sights differ between the early and late pistols. Earlier front sights are semicircular and later are ramped, for example. www.coolgunsite.com has pictures of early and late pistols which may give you some idea of the differences.

[bgiven]

Pretty hard to determine value, without pictures or a detailed description. 'Decent shape' certainly can vary..... and since it sounds like a WWII slide on a WWI frame, I would almost bet that there are other mixed parts.

Even if it was a 'mixer' of M1911 and A1 parts, they still bring $700-$900.- at a show, or on an auction site.....IMO.

Hope that helps a little.

Bob

[exitwounds]

If it's an arsenal rebuild, it should have (not always though) one of the following markings on the receiver;
AA = Augusta Arsenal
AN = Anniston Arsenal
BA = Benecia Arsenal
MR = Mt Rainer Ordinance Depot
OG = Ogden Arsenal
RA = Raritan Arsenal
RIA = Rock Island Arsenal
RRA = Red River Arsenal
SA = Springfield Arsenal
SAA = San Antonio Arsenal

usually found on the left side, but can be found on the right also. As for value, one of the true collectors here can answer that better than me, I'm just an accumulator, sorry. ;)

Have you ever seen or heard of an AN marked pistol? AN is fairly common on the M1 Rifle rebuilds. Most Anniston marked pistols typically are marked ANAD with a mo/yr stamp as well, most date '71 - '79. Just curious. :)


Anniston is also an Army Depot, rather than Arsenal.

[OD*]

Have you ever seen or heard of an AN marked pistol?
No sir I haven't, just RIA, AA and SA. Your correct, I cut and pasted "arsenal markings" from my documents and didn't think to separate them. :o

AA = Augusta Arsenal
BA = Benecia Arsenal
RA = Raritan Arsenal
RIA = Rock Island Arsenal
SA = Springfield Arsenal
SAA = San Antonio Arsenal

[FiringPinStop]

I was able to talk with the man who owns the handgun, and he said on the left side of the trigger guard is a stamped 55 and a small eagle with S12 below...I'm beginning to believe you fellows are correct - M1911 frame, A1 slide, refurbished in 1955 somewhere...

FPS


PS: I'll be able to inspect the Colt this afternoon...

[exitwounds]

I was able to talk with the man who owns the handgun, and he said on the left side of the trigger guard is a stamped 55 and a small eagle with S12 below...I'm beginning to believe you fellows are correct - M1911 frame, A1 slide, refurbished in 1955 somewhere...

FPS


PS: I'll be able to inspect the Colt this afternoon...

The S12 Inspector of Ord Stamp is should have the type I Eagle's Head over the S12. This mark was only found on Colt 1911 pistols from May 1918 - about Apr 1919. The number 55 is an assemblers mark, nothing to do with a year :)

[sonofsarge]

I also have a similar 1918. Went to RIA for rebuild. A-1 slide, hammer & grips added along with Remington bbl. Left MSH & trigger alone. Unless you find one in really sad shape, I doubt you would see one less than $600.