1918 Colt 1911

[jrfount]

I recently acquired a Colt 1911 SN 3xxxxx the only information I have been able to find out is that it was manufactured in 1918. This pistol was flooded by two hurricanes in 2005 hosed off and thrown in a shed; after much work she is fully functional again with what appears to be all original equipment (nice wood diamond grips none the less). There isn't a stitch of blue left on it and it doesn't look like there has been in quite some time. Unfortunately, no blue led to some pretty ugly pitting on the left side of the slide the rest of the gun seems to be ok.

I was told that this pistol belonged to my wifes great great uncle who served in the Marine Corp during WWI. We don't know if this was a military issue or not although at one point he did have many decomissioned US firearms. Where there would normally be a U.S. Property stamp there is none, so I was hoping to find some resources to perform a more indepth search on the SN and how it began it's life.

I have always wanted an original 1911 and I finally got my hands on one so value really doesn't matter, I'm never getting rid of it. However, I love to know the history of my guns that's why I don't own anything less than fifty years old there is just something about that old steel and wood. I really appreciate any help that is offered to me and hope that I can return the favor someday. Thanks again.

[jrfount]

I will add a picture as soon as possible I'm afraid my digital camera is on the fritz at the moment but I will borrow one within the next day or two.

[Hawkmoon]

In the meanwhile, please quote exactly how the serial number reads. We don't need the last three digits, but we do need to know if it begins with an "No" (with the 'O' being underlined and superscript), or a "C". What is marked on the right side of the slide?

[jrfount]

Thanks for the quick response. The SN is 394xxx with a "No" prefix. The right side of the slide says MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp130/ecjf08/SDC11509.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp130/ecjf08/SDC11510.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp130/ecjf08/SDC11512.jpg

[jrfount]

Thought I might also add, I took this pistol to a smith to talk with him about a park and duracoat finish before I left he was telling me everything that was wrong with the gun and making me an offer of an even swap for an RIA 1911. Wasn't that nice of him?

[wjkuleck]

This pistol was one of those shipped out of numberical order in late July or early August 1918 (per Clawson). Pistols in that range went to the Ordnance Depot, Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, NY and to Camp Perry. 300 pistols in the range 398000 to 401000 went to the U.S. Marine Corps, Depot Quartermaster, Philadelphia.

Unfortunately the shipping records don't confirm direct shipment to the USMC, though they do not by any means rule it out. It's definitely possible that your pistol did go to the USMC.

Before modern-coating this complete pistol, please consider having it professionally restored by Doug Turnbull or the like. While a pistol is original only once, it would be even neater if it looked something like it did when new. Complete and correct pistols are few and far between!

Regards,

Walt

[Scott Gahimer]

I would also add to Walt's comments that for $100 you can get a Colt factory letter, which will in fact verify the shipping information on your specific pistol. Before I would ever consider spending the kind of money it would take to properly restore your pistol to look similar to it's original appearance, I would want to know what I was paying all that money to have when I got done.

As is, you've got a piece of your family history. Yes, the UNITED STATES PROPERTY has been removed and some parts have been changed. If it passes a function test, you would not hurt the appearance to fire it. However, firing any pistol subjects it to the risk of damage. The older pistols are more prone to damage such as stress cracks, front sights falling out, a slide stop breaking, etc.

Should you decide to fire the pistol, you just have to bear in mind the risks involved. If it has sentimental value as is, you have to decide what you want to do about restoring it, or shooting it.

[Hawkmoon]

Since it has now been established that the pistol was a military issue weapon, I'll move this thread to the "US Government Issue" discussion area.

Personal opinion: If it had been in my family and it came down to me, I would have it restored and not risk firing it. YMMV.

[jrfount]

Thanks to everyone for your help, it truly is appreciated. I could have searched for months without finding all of the information you just shared with me. If anyone else has anything to add comments are always welcome. On a side note it's too late not to fire at all, once I dissassembled, cleaned, and reassembled I couldn't help myself. One shot in the black and man it felt good in my hands. I've also found out that this 1911 has a cousin in the same condition with a SN only a couple off. I'm going to try and get my hands on it to take a look soon.

I had already decided against a modern finish on this gun (I talked to the smithy before I found out what a treasure I have) and to see about restoring an original finish to this gun, when the funds allow. And now I have to figure out what I'm going to sell so that I can buy a 1911 shooter. I just don't think I could live without one at this point. Thanks again for everyones input.