Question about Ithaca slide/Colt frame

[Wittmann44]

Hello Gents,

I'm completely new to 1911 pistols and this forum, but I'm an avid WWII/milsurp rifle collector. My dilemma today is that an acquaintance is looking to sell his 1911A1 pistol and I'm trying to do a little research before committing to buy it. It has an Ithaca marked slide and has serial# 863590. My concern is that the frame appears to be made by Colt and holds GHD inspector's initials, not the FJA inspector initials that are proper on Ithaca's. It's my understanding that early in Ithaca's manufacturing history, Colt sent over about 6,000 or so frames to assist Ithaca with starting production up, but those frames were marked with Ithaca appropriate markings prior to leaving the factory. I may be wrong because I'm no expert, but that is what I've heard from a few sources. This pistol would nearly complete my collection, but I want to be sure of what I'm buying for the $1800 selling price. I submitted the pics I have of the gun for you guys to evaluate. Thank you in advance for any help/info that you guys can offer.

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx213/Wittmann44/19111.jpg

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx213/Wittmann44/19112.jpg

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx213/Wittmann44/19113.jpg

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx213/Wittmann44/19114.jpg

[Johnny Peppers]

The really sad part is that the Colt frame is from one of the Government Model (commercial) pistols that Colt transferred to their military contract. It originally had a slide with the commercial markings, and was serial numbered to the receiver.
Possibly in rebuild the Ithaca slide was put on the Colt receiver, but it did not come that way. Even though the receiver is from a very desirable Colt, with the Ithaca slide it is not worth $1800.
The receivers and slides sent from Colt to Ithaca had no markings, and they were marked like all the other Ithaca 1911A1 pistols.
Springfield Armory sent some 1911 receivers to Ithaca to help them get into production, but if the receivers had an original 1911 serial number it was removed and a serial number assigned to Ithaca was used.

[Duane Hansen]

The way it sits, you have a pistol thats worth closer to $800 than $1800.

[bgiven]

Welcome to the Fourm.

For the asking price, you can find a very strong, correct, example quite easily with a little effort. This one is a definate pass, regardless of the rare variation frame, which when correct, are very interesting examples.

[smoochin]

interesting topic, again. i am looking at a rem rand serial'd # frame w/ ithaca stamped slide. crisp. other than a "p" on top of the slide, no other markings! and no evidence that i can see that anything was removed. am having a tough time believing it left assembly plant in a lunch box, but i am no fountain of knowledge. dave

[Scott Gahimer]

You can bet if it had a "P" proof, it also originally had the other slide markings as well.

If you'll post some good photos for us, we may be able to offer more help.

[smoochin]

am looking to buy it. its on an on-line auction with photos. i don't know if the rules allow me to say which. mr. gahimer, i always appreciate your input. thanks, dave

[Scott Gahimer]

Dave: Why don't you just copy and then post the photos here? That will preserve the privacy of the auction for those who might want to bid on it, but will allow us to discuss the pistol and what it is.

Some guys get frustrated when something they plan to bid on gets "linked" to the board and discussed. They feel as though it gives the auction too much exposure and causes them to have to bid more to win.

I personally think we can discuss the pistol with some good photos, and still not give away the identity of the auction. That way, if it gets a good report card, others will have to at least search for the auction.

With good photos and discussion, our members have the opportunity to learn. I'll look forward to discussing the pistol, should you start a new thread about it. If you do, ask specific questions with the photos. That should spark a good round of replies.