1911 Colt 1912? and Odd Mag

[gwsiii]

My Dad (oopy38, will post later) has the 1911 pictured below, serial number is 155xx (I know, I hate the xx thing, its at his request). From what we can find, its a late 1912 gun. A serial number lookup at Springfield Research says it was shipped to the US Navy. Can anyone help us out with more information, or is that it without ordering a letter from both Colt and Springfield Research? I know 'fine Japanese Weapons 1893-1945' so I can 'trade knowledge', but I don't know diddly bout this US stuff. And, Oh, by the way... there is the oddball mag in the later pictures, all I know about the mag is that it was purchased at a gunshow about 30 years ago as an oddity, it locks up tight and appears to hold about 30 rounds. thanks, Trey
embedded pics don't seem to work:
pictures are at:
http://www.castle-thunder.com/pics/19111.jpg
http://www.castle-thunder.com/pics/19112.jpg
http://www.castle-thunder.com/pics/19117.jpg
http://www.castle-thunder.com/pics/19113.jpg
http://www.castle-thunder.com/pics/19114.jpg
http://www.castle-thunder.com/pics/19115.jpg
http://www.castle-thunder.com/pics/19116.jpg

[bgiven]

According to Clawson, the last batch of USN M1911s shipped in 1912 were serial numbers 12501 - 13500, which would have been rollmarked 'Model of 1911 US Navy'.

To verify any shipment, proof positive, it would need to be lettered by Colt or SRS.

Too bad the US Property rollmarks have been removed from the LH side of the frame. That is one 'bad' looking survival mag.... never seen one quite like that before.

[oopy38]

the LH side of the frame. That is one 'bad' looking survival mag.... never seen one quite like that before.

The only extended magazines for the 1911 that I have ever read about for use in the early days of WWI by airmen, was 14 rounds. This one appears to hold 30 rounds. We don't know for sure as there is a dent that prevents the follower from compressing past about 10. It seems to be an original .45 auto magazine with a steel extension, and the seam on the front that has been brazed and then all painted over in O.D. color. It locks up very tight in the gun.

[harryvc]

According to Goddard's book, The Government Models, your pistol (155xx {I saw the entire serial in the photograph}) was part of a shipment of 450 pistols that Colt sent to the Augusta, Georgia Arsenal on December 6, 1912.

[oopy38]

According to Goddard's book, The Government Models, your pistol (155xx {I saw the entire serial in the photograph}) was part of a shipment of 450 pistols that Colt sent to the Augusta, Georgia Arsenal on December 6, 1912.

I have been away for a while. Thanks for your input. I think I am going to write both Colt and Springfield Research for letters and compare them.