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jokinham
6th March 2007, 16:27
Hello!
I have a 1915.(i believe) Colt 1911 that is a little different than my 1917...instead of the H on the rear of the slide it has an S .. A gentleman offered me some money for it..but really dont know what its worth..Can anyone help with information please? The first
four numbers on the ser# is 1345XX.. the barrel has H P ..Thanks so much
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/jokinham/1915Coltarmy007.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/jokinham/1915Coltarmyserfix2.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/jokinham/1915Coltarmy006.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/jokinham/1915Coltarmy008.jpg
exitwounds
6th March 2007, 17:16
The S stamp on the slide is the provisional inspection mark of W.E. strong, and that mark was found in the 133187 - 137400 serial number range. W.E. strong was a Civilian Ordnance Inspector and was a temporary Inspector at Colt. He served from Aug 14, 1916 - Oct 13, 1916 while Frank Hosmer was on temporary duty at the San Antonio Arsenal. A provisional inspection mark indicates a preliminary inspection prior to the completion of the pistol. The S should also be stamped on top of the frame at the 12 o'clock position of the disconnector hole. The pistol is 1916 production not 1915. The pistol was shipped on Nov 4, 1916 to the Commanding Officer, at the Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL.
jokinham
6th March 2007, 17:19
Thank you for the Information? :)
exitwounds
6th March 2007, 17:25
Has the pistol been refinished?
jokinham
6th March 2007, 17:35
It might have been before i owned it..But i am not very good at knowing for sure..
exitwounds
6th March 2007, 17:52
It looks as though to me it has been based upon the looks of the slide crown, the area around the slide serrations, the magazine release, and general lack of crisp lettering, in addition to the absence of machining marks on the frame when it was prepped at the factory. It is still a nice looking pistol, but the refinish detracts from it's value. Because of the S marked components, it would still likely sell in the $850 - $1250 range, and perhaps more at auction or to the right person. Had it not been refinished it would likely fetch double that.
jokinham
6th March 2007, 18:01
Great,,Thank you very much for you time..and information
:)