1913 Army Issue

[BuzzMan]

Imagine my excitement when my elderly female neighbor asked me if Iwould like to have an old pistol. My heart sank when I saw the plating job on this rare find but still accepted her offer with much appreciation! My question to you fine people is what next? I was thinking of finding somebody who could restore this pistol back to it's original glory. Can plating like this be removed without damaging gun? Serial # 47XXX. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas.....Buzz

P.S. How the heck do I post photos? Newbie!

[Rich-D]

Congratulations on the gun. You can find the info on posting pic's in FAQ, which is listed on the top of this page next to UserCP. I leave the plating question to someone who is more informed than I on the matter.

Best of Luck!
Rich

[Hawkmoon]

Upper left of your screen. There's an option on the lower of the two menu bars for "FAQ". About halfway down in the FAQ index is the one on how to post photos.

Yes, plating can be removed without damaging the pistol. Yes, it can be re-blued. That's exactly what I would have done to it should such a piece happen to come my way.

[BuzzMan]

[http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03966.jpg
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03980.jpg
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03964.jpg
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03984.jpg
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03967.jpg
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03973.jpg
http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03987.jpg

[BuzzMan]

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03964.jpghttp://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/Buzzman_photos/DSC03984.jpg

[OD*]

What is the serial number? I don't believe that is the correct hammer for a 1913.

[OD*]

1913
17251-36400 Colt
36401-37650 Colt
37651-38000 Colt
38001-43800 Colt USN
43801-43900 Colt USN
43901-44000 Colt USN
44001-60400 Colt

[BuzzMan]

4775x. That falls under your last column, right? Thanks, Buzz

[BuzzMan]

The barrrel has a S and a P stamped on it. The main frame has an H and a 5 stamped on it just forward of the hammer.

[1saxman]

I think you're in luck because it has it's serial number and US Property marks intact. That is what makes it worth restoring. The nickel is removed by reversing the plating process and can be done by any good plater. Then, you need to find the right person to restore it. Most likely just sending it off to be blued at a high-volume shop will result in damaged markings. You may be able to find a restorer who will take it as-is and handle the whole job. You will spend some money but it will be worth it, considering a repro WWI is $1000. First, though, you need to determine if any parts are incorrect - parts visible from the exterior including the barrel are the most important in this regard. Coil springs, the sear spring, the sear and disconnector are not as important. Springs are maintenance items anyway.

[bgiven]

I believe the slide is not correct, as is the barrel being a Springfield field replacement if the S and P are on the LH lug. I can't tell in the posted pictures, but the thumb safety could possibly be suspect. Better pics would certainly help.

[BuzzMan]

Starting to sound like a daily shooter?

[bgiven]

I'm afraid so. Originally a 1913 M1911 would have been fitted with a slide with the last patent date of 1911. The slide on your example has a last patent date of 1913 which wasn't used until early 1914 at around serial number 84,000. The original Colt barrel would have had a horizontal 'H P' on the hood.

[texagun]

Starting to sound like a daily shooter?

Although probably not a valuable collectible, I would not use it as a "daily shooter." Perhaps an "occasional shooter" would be a better idea to prevent permanent damage to it.