1911 with XAAAA Serial number

[zaytran]

Hello:

I have not had the opportunity to see this gun yet so I have no details. (I will see it in the AM)

It is supposedly a US Government 1911 with a serial number of "X" followed by four digits. It is supposedly blued and not Parkerized.

Does this style of serial number ring any bells? I could not find a reference.

Cheers,
Ted

[exitwounds]

The first series X-numbers from X1000 - X1178 (179 total) were used by Springfield Armory, assigned in 1924.
X1179 - X1180 (2 total) by the Manila Arsenal assigned in 1924, and X1181 -X4385 (total 3205) used by Springfield Armory assigned from 1924 -1953 (Note:The transition to 1911a1 frames started in 1924)
Do you have a range for this weapon ? Is it a 1911 or 1911A1? The only 4 digit X numbers are those ranges above.

[zaytran]

Thanks for getting back to me. It is a 1911 (not an A1).

Does this mean that it is and Arsenal rebuild or repair??

Cheers,
Ted

[exitwounds]

An "X" prefix to the serial number indicates a gun that has been re-serial numbered by ordnance, and the maker is neither identifiable or relevant.

[zaytran]

I am ignorant when it comes to this area of collecting. Why would a gun be re-serial numbered by ordnance?

I am assuming this would ruin its value. Is that true?

Sorry to be so uninformed.

Cheers,
Ted

[exitwounds]

Just because a gun is an X number, doesn’t mean it isn’t collectible. These guns are rich in history. They may not have the high price tag of a pristine Remington-UMC, but they represent a moment in time when the nation was in peril and these old warhorses answered the call. There may be a number of reasons why the weapons were remarked.

[zaytran]

Thank you.

When I get to look at the weapon I will post details. It should be about 10AM EST.

Cheers,
Ted

[zaytran]

Sorry to be late. My back went on a Cub Scout campout.

I viewed the weapon. It is blued with about 20% left - a nice silvery color all over - except there are two small spots where someone started to polish and then probably remembered the Antique Roadshow.

It is serial number X21aa. The serial number and model stamp (both on the same side of the slide) were ground away (rather roughly) and restamped before the current blueing.

The Grips are Plastic and look to be WII vintage with 1/16 rings around the screws.

The only stamps on the barrel are under the link. A "G" turned 90 degress from the barrel axis and a "5".

The frame has a "T" and an "S".

So in all a pretty well used gun. I am assuming about a $700 retail value.

Cheers,
Ted