Some questions on two older colt 1911's

[71Silverbullet]

I"d like to start by saying that I think this a wonderful site with lots of valuable information, and many helpful members.
Now to my questions. I have two older 1911's, the first was a gift from my father, a M1911A1, it was his service pistol in Vietnam the grips I am told were hand made by grandfather. I know it was made in 1943, probably sent to a armory and rebuilt at some point.
The second I recently purchased from a gun shop locally. I know it was made in 1918.
Can anyone fill in some details (originality, where they were shipped to, ect.) for me including an approximate value of these colts?
http://s585.photobucket.com/albums/ss295/71Silverbullet/1911/

[71Silverbullet]

Ok I know I haven't stumped everyone here! I'm mostly concerned with the older m1911. As I know the m1911a1 has matching numbers on the slide and frame, and my father brought it home form Vietnam so the monetary value really doesn't matter. But I would like some history of both guns like where they were delivered and such, does the slide match the frame, and barrel on the m1911, and an approximate value.

[Joni Lynn]

I'd jump right in if I had the knowledge with which to do so.
Unfortunately about all I can offer is.............welcome to the forum. :)

[Johnny Peppers]

The Model 1911 was shipped when large shipments with mixed serial numbers were the norm. It could have been shipped any time between November 11, 1918 and January 16, 1919. Only a letter from the Colt historian would tell you the exact day and where it was shipped.
The pistol appears to be refinished from the photographs furnished. Are those pits that have been blued over on the slide, and what is going on with the slide stop hole?
The 1911A1 was shipped between December 16, 1942, and February 27, 1943, with all the pistols going to Springfield Armory. The slide should be serial numbered to the frame under the firing pin stop plate. Lock the slide back, use a soft punch and depress the firing pin enough to allow the firing pin stop plate to slide down. The first three numbers of the serial number should be above the firing pin hole, and the last three under the hole.

[71Silverbullet]

There is some pitting on the slide, nothing I would consider major for a piece this old. As far as the slide stop hole, could you be more specific? I know where the slide stop hole is but what issue do you see with it? Maybe just an illusion in the photo, I see no problems.
I already checked the numbers on the a1 and they actually DO match I was very surprised.
Thanks for your input.

[Scott Gahimer]

I think Johnny is curious about the finish (or lack thereof) around the slide stop hole on the left side of the frame...at least I know I am. It almost looks as if the finish was ground off?

The M1911 has had the UNITED STATES PROPERTY mark ground off. It was originally right above the serial number. The HS barrel is a larer WWII M1911A1 barrel...not correct for the pistol. Grips may or may not be correct. Many aftermarket replacements had 13 rows of checkering between the double diamonds.

Is the bottom of the slide stop all wavy...not a straight edge? Or is that just the photo?

[Johnny Peppers]

As far as the slide stop hole, could you be more specific? I know where the slide stop hole is but what issue do you see with it? Maybe just an illusion in the photo, I see no problems.
Thanks for your input.

I didn't see a problem either. Just wondered what that is around the hole.
http://i43.tinypic.com/2n9huf9.jpg

[71Silverbullet]

Ok, I believe what you are seeing around the hole is just oil and reflections from the light. The slide stop is straight, however where the slide stop catches the slide it is a little out of shape. Was the USP above the serial # or on the left side in front of the slide stop? And any guess on value? I gave $700. Haven't decided on whether to shoot it or store it.

[Scott Gahimer]

...Was the USP above the serial # or on the left side in front of the slide stop? And any guess on value? I gave $700. Haven't decided on whether to shoot it or store it.

The UNITED STATES PROPERTY mark was above the serial number. See those little gouges in the surface above the serial number? That's where the USP marking was ground off.
http://i42.tinypic.com/246orb7.jpg
Value? I think value is greatly diminished when refinished and original markings are removed. However, you probably didn't get hurt that bad on price. Even though I wouldn't pay that price, I know many do.
There are better modern shooters available for less money IMO, but if you are asking whether you'll hurt the "collector" value of your pistol by shooting it...I don't think you will. The refinish and removal of the USP pretty much took care of that already.

[Johnny Peppers]

The USP would have been above the serial number. It may just be reflections from the oil, but it appears that you can see the marks where it was scrubbed off.

[71Silverbullet]

Is there a way of determining numerically which side the USP was stamped on? I've seen them on both sides on models made in 1918. And does the slide match the year of the frame? I know its probably not THE original, but is it CORRECT for this gun? Thanks

[Scott Gahimer]

The USP moved to the right side by about s/n 510,000. Your pistol is clearly well beyond that serial range.
Yes, the slide is correct for the serial number of your pistol, based on the font and position of all the markings and the later style scallop cut on the front of the slide.

It sounds like you need a Clawson's 3rd Edition Collector's Guide. All these things have been established for a number of years. It pays to buy the book and ask the questions prior to purchasing a pistol. We can help inform you now, but I'm sure you'd rather be an informed buyer than to be an informed owner. The Clawson book will provide the necessary info anyone needs to make an informed decision about what to buy, and what they own.