Given a Colt 1911

[Free in VT]

New here, Think its around the early 50's I would call it 95 % What do you Think? TOM

http://www.k2ah.com/gun/1911.JPG
http://www.k2ah.com/gun/1911a1.JPG

[CTDinMT]

If I'm seeing the first 3 digits correctly (223xxxx?) then it's not a Colt. It would be a Remington Rand (1945) w/ a Colt Commercial(?) slide. Oh, and congrats! I'd love to get a free 1911. Where do I sign up? :D

[Free in VT]

Col. Colt OK, don't know anything about the history. Yes a FJA left front triger guard a 8, under clip release a P, right side above grip a stamping, Right side triger guard top a C,bottom left bottom a H, Barroll 45 auto and #7791193. Any more info you can give me. TOM

[CTDinMT]

The F.J.A. stands for Lt Col F.J. Atwood, US Gov't inspector for R-Rand, among others.
The frame dates to the end of WWII, so I can't tell you if the gun ever saw action. The #7791193 is a part number. If you post this in the "US Government" section, you can probably get some more info from one of the resident USGI experts.

[Hawkmoon]

No, please do NOT repost. I'll move it there for you.

[Johnny Peppers]

The Remington Rand frame dates to April of 1945, and the slide is a Korean War era replacement from Colt. The barrel is also a post WWII replacement.
The initials FJA are for Col. Frank J. Atwood, Inspector of Ordnance for the Rochester Ordnance District. The inspection duties were carried out by civilian employees of the government stationed at Remington Rand and other small arms contractors. Any small arm inspected and accepted in the Rochester Ordnance District had the initials FJA affixed indicating that it had been accepted by the Ordnance Department by Col. Atwood's authority.

[exitwounds]

Not bad for a mixmaster. Is the barrel chrome lined? Some of the 7791193 replacement barrels were, just curious.

[stans]

Definitely a parts gun, but if it has an arsenal rebuilding stamp on it, then it would lend credence to the idea it was a military rebuild. Original 1911's and 1911-A1's have the most collector's value, arsenal rebuilds are gaining value, guns assembled by the guy down the street from surplus parts are still worth the sum of their parts. Seeing as how you got this one for $0.00, regardless of what you have, you still have a bargain! My mixmaster 1911-A1 (no rebuild stamp, various finishes and time era's for the parts) came to me free as well. Back then, surplus 1911-A1's were much more common and collectors told me I had a shooter, just enjoy it. My how times have changed.

[191145]

They (Colt) used the then-current commercial slides to fulfill an Army contract for parts. The ONLY difference is, the mil slides were Parkerized. One of these slides, new-in-wrap, sold on ebay a few months ago for over $200. Its definitely in rebuild configuration and I would consider it a legitimate issue M1911A1.

[Free in VT]

Thanks for everyone's input. Exitwounds, it chrome lined. Where would I find the arsenal rebuilding stamp on it? Thanks for all the info again. Tom

[exitwounds]

Thanks for everyone's input. Exitwounds, it chrome lined. Where would I find the arsenal rebuilding stamp on it? Thanks for all the info again. Tom
I don't see any Arsenal Rebuild stamps in any of the photos you posted, but not all rebuilds were stamped. Typically the arsenal rebuild stamps (such as SA, RIA, ANAD, etc.) were stamped on the right side. Visit www.coolgunsite.com 1911 ID Pages and the arsenal rebuilds tab for pictures and details of specific markings. Some of the 7791193 replacement barrels also have a two digit year stamp just below that part number (such as 83, 85, 90, etc.), many early ones did not, and not all were chrome lined.

[Freezer]

I have one like yours:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/Freezer762/64c64621.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/Freezer762/7a3919d0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/Freezer762/9a081994.jpg

[stuart gildersleeve]

nice pistol, they come in all variations' and conditions' from time to time. not too shabby for FREE.

[stuart gildersleeve]

freeze, i punched in your s.n.# on springfield research service, and it hit. released from hawaii as a match target pistol on 3-3-43 pretty cool. you ought to contact springfield research and they provide paper work on your pistol.

[Johnny Peppers]

I don't think so. That is a Colt 1911A1 frame No.2331???. Don't know if the last three digits have been removed or just hidden in the post. It wasn't built until around mid 1945.

[stuart gildersleeve]

didn't notice that the last digits' could have been hidden, it all blends' in thanks' Johnny P. STU

[stans]

Welcome aboard Freezer!

[Freezer]

Thanks for welcoming me stans!

I used Photoshop to cover the last three digits.
It should be a Colt frame as far as i know.
On another 1911 forum i was told that this pistol is a 1945 made Colt 1911A1 with a Korean War era military replacement slide provided by Colt.

Sorry about the crappy pics, my camera sucks.

[Free in VT]

Thanks for everyone's input again. There is something weird going on. There was a military only, sword and gun show in Rutland VT today and I brought my 1911. This dealer offered me $1500.00 on the spot. So what's so special about my 1911? Thought it was a mixmaster.

[Scott Gahimer]

You should have took it if you are interested in selling it.