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Scott Gahimer
4th July 2009, 03:44
Colt M1911 No.16488



Original and unaltered. One of the last M1911 pistols manufactured in 1912. Shipped from Colt’s December 21, 1912 to Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory, as one of 500 pistols in the 38th shipment of M1911 pistols (s/n 16251-16750).


One of the first M1911 pistols with standardized finish, markings and small parts. At serial number 7501, the position of the serial number was moved back on the right side of the receiver, just forward of the grip panel to provide a more sturdy location for stamping which also provided more protection from holster wear.

This pistol still has the early rounded rear sight, circled rampant colt logo stamped behind the cocking serrations on the left side of the slide (used s/n 1 through ca. s/n 20,000), final patent date of 1911, “smoky blue” small parts and “fine finish” blued finish.

This pistol’s barrel has an H without serifs stamped on the back on the hood extension and has the same contours and finish as the earlier Colt barrel. The magazine catch lock is the 3rd type, which was standardized at ca. s/n 6000. The magazine is a Type 2 punch-and-saw cut (Keyhole) type. These magazines were shipped with new pistols from s/n 4501 through mid-1913 up to about s/n 38,000-40,000.

The intertwined WGP monogram of Major Walter G. Penfield, the Army’s 1st Inspector of Ordnance, was struck on M1911 pistols 1912-1914 from s/n 1 through ca. s/n 101500. The final inspection marks were struck by civilian inspectors working for the Ordnance Dept. under the authority of the various Inspectors of Ordnance throughout production.

Colt No.16488 is a nice example of an early, unaltered M1911 from 1912.

Photos: Left side, Right side, Top view, Butt end with lanyard loop magazine, Matching bevel cut on MSH and reciever, Front strap

http://i40.tinypic.com/2nbh7xd.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/27y7fj5.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/mvi886.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2hp0hvr.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/so5ylw.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/1h5a93.jpg

Scott Gahimer
4th July 2009, 03:58
Here are some more detailed views of the pistol:

Colt 15-row grips
http://i43.tinypic.com/2mrsgup.jpg

The full back strap area
http://i40.tinypic.com/2q8ollf.jpg

WGP final inspection
http://i41.tinypic.com/2wok9oz.jpg

Left side markings
http://i42.tinypic.com/vhdms4.jpg

Right side markings
http://i44.tinypic.com/2s0y3qu.jpg

"Smoky" blue small parts
http://i39.tinypic.com/33m78d1.jpg

Early barrel with rough dark finish
http://i39.tinypic.com/73fk35.jpg

Early "keyhole" magazine side view
http://i43.tinypic.com/214s309.jpg

Keyhole magazine rear view
http://i40.tinypic.com/v4yrnm.jpg

jwenum
4th July 2009, 04:28
As I told Mr. Holbrook earlier in the week..I'm feeling sick and going to bed!!!BEAUTIFUL piece & pictures.I may have to go see my uncle in Manchester,Ind. & stop by your abode!!

jwenum
4th July 2009, 04:29
As an aside,what is a keyhole magazine?I see it in the last pic,but never heard of if before.Thanks.

Scott Gahimer
4th July 2009, 05:01
The punch and saw cut magazines were Colt's first attempt to remedy the stress fractures at the top, rear of the magazine lips. You can read more about them in the magazine forum. I'm confident Doran has posted more information about them there.

thelumox
4th July 2009, 08:02
beautiful piece mr. Gahimer! very generous of you to share with us. thank you.

bgiven
4th July 2009, 09:03
Scott,

Outstanding example.... almost enough condition for you to keep it in your collection, but somehow I'm sure you'll make room. Is this a recent find ... and any history ????

Bob

doubs43
4th July 2009, 09:21
Scott, that's a gorgeous 1911 and excellent camera work.

Scott Gahimer
4th July 2009, 09:29
Thanks. Nothing recent about it, except the photos. I've had it since 1998 or 1999. I just got it out and photographed it for a reply in another thread a couple days ago.

kenhwind
4th July 2009, 10:20
This is cruel, I haven't had any coffee yet and I'm seeing these beautiful Colts posted.
That is really nice Scott, thanks for the pics.

rekladan
4th July 2009, 11:52
Sitting across the desk, my wife just asked me why I have this silly grin on my face...

What else can I say?

OD*
4th July 2009, 11:57
Scott, that is truly beautiful!
It's almost as pretty as your wife's #403. ;)

Joni Lynn
4th July 2009, 13:27
Scott that's absolutely stunning. Thanks for the photos.

Scott Gahimer
4th July 2009, 14:20
...your wife's #403. ;)

You've got that right! She doesn't even flinch when I get the Singers out to show someone, but she is quick to remind me to be careful if I reach for her pistol. :)

Johnny Peppers
4th July 2009, 14:26
A beautiful early Colt in beautiful condition. Sadly, most of the pistols with the "been there, done that" look got that way after they left the military. It is great that a few survived by being taken care of and preserved.

OD*
4th July 2009, 15:55
You've got that right! She doesn't even flinch when I get the Singers out to show someone, but she is quick to remind me to be careful if I reach for her pistol. :)
I remember that very scenario from Louisville. :D