Help with 1911 marking

[dwaine99]

What does the A stand for near the serial number?

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/dwaine/colt%2045/P9260306.jpg


And the RIA?

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/dwaine/colt%2045/P9260315.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/dwaine/colt%2045/P9260326.jpg

[exitwounds]

RIA is Rock Island Arsenal. The A on your weapon does not look familiar, or like that of Augusta Arsenal (AA) or Anniston (AN or ANAD). It could possibly be a stamp applied by someone, since there are no other letters such as an S for SA, B for BA, R for RA.

[Colt1911Recon]

No 110968 is a 1911 of 1915. No 1440819 is a 1911a1 or 1943-45.
Regarding the "A" on your 1911.
This could be the assemblers mark for a "Replacement Pistol" .
If you have access to Charles W. Clawson's (Colt .45 Service Pistols Models of 1911 and 1911A1) See page 3. It talks about replacement pistols. You could have one. The "A" could be the assemblers mark. These pistols were made and marked by the assembler. The serial number was put on later to "replace" a pistol that did not pass inspection. The serial number was also put on after the bluing process. Since your piece serial number is 1915 time frame it is possible for this to be. After 1918 The requirement for consecutive serial number shipments was no longer required. Thus there are no marked replacement pistols after 1918.
In the picture, your piece appears to have a coating on it. Is it linseed oil?

The RIA marking on your 1911A1 stands for Rock Island Armory.