Help with a 1911

[Harv1RCR]

Hi everyone. Just got my first 1911 from the store, and was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what i got.

http://www.imagehosting.com/show.php/273701_IMG0549.jpg.html

http://www.imagehosting.com/show.php/273700_IMG0546.jpg.html

http://www.imagehosting.com/show.php/273699_IMG0542.jpg.html

Hopefully the pics work. The ser# is c 93xx.

[exitwounds]

Your pistol is a 1914 Commercial Series 1911 (Government Model), not a USGI. The front and rear sight has been replaced. The ring through the lanyard loop is an add-on of some sort. Does the pistol have any Canadian Markings? Colt M1911 Canadian Contract pistols were found from C5400 to C13500 and shipped to Canada from Sept. to Nov., 1914 ( Only 5000 pistols in this serial number range were shipped to Canada, and not in consecutive order.) that is why I ask. They were NOT stamped with canadian inspection or acceptance marks initially, many have been observed with a Unit Marking and/or Officer's Name. Some will have a Canadian Broad Arrow Govt Ownership stamp which was applied at a later time, but not all have them, they are often found on the right side forward the slide stop pin hole if they have them, also replacement magazines had that marking as well.

[Harv1RCR]

It doesn't appear to have any markings on the slide that i haven't already pictured, there are two small stamps on the the trigger guard of an R and a small inverted triangle. I was also wondering if the slide was the original as it looks like a different colour bluing or at least newer

[exitwounds]

It doesn't appear to have any markings on the slide that i haven't already pictured, there are two small stamps on the the trigger guard of an R and a small inverted triangle.

Is the R above the inverted triangle? If so it is a Colt final Inspector's Mark. The inverted triangle may be Colt's Verified Proof Mark and would have a VP inside the inverted triangle which may be hard to see. Only a factory letter from Colt would tell you where it was originally shipped.

[Harv1RCR]

The R is stamped on the guard closest to the mag release and the inverted triangle, whick does have a VP in it on closer inspection is on the upper left portion of the trigger guard.


Mike

[exitwounds]

The pistol has been refinished at some point, and would also originally have had double diamond walnut grips on it. The right hand side slide marking is correct for the vintage, the left side should have the rampant pony at the rear, behind the slide serrations and the patent legend in Roman style lettering if it is the correct vintage. The magazine looks like it was refinished at some point as well since would have a more distinct two toned appearance. Have you checked the barrel markings?

[Harv1RCR]

The left side of the slide is exactly as you described it, and as for the barrel its marked colt 45 auto on the lower left side, a P near the barrel lug on the bottom, and N with a G just under it on the underside of the barrel.

[exitwounds]

The left side of the slide is exactly as you described it, and as for the barrel its marked colt 45 auto on the lower left side, a P near the barrel lug on the bottom, and N with a G just under it on the underside of the barrel.

Ok, well the barrel is a replacement as well, and is a USGI barrel used on Colt 1911A1s in 1943 (sn range 900000 - 933000, and sparsely thereafter upto about 938000). The original Commercial barrel would have had a P stamped on the chamber hood, and may also have had a J on the left barrel lug, as well as a number forward the lugs on the belly. A C was also stamped on the end of the barrel hood lip on the vertical surface as well as the top backside of the lugs. The C and other marks were eventually phased out, but at minimum the P should be on the chamber hood.

[Harv1RCR]

Right on Exitwounds, Thanks a lot for the info, it's helped to give me a pretty good idea of what i got.