Help deciphering my 1911's past?

[Nordo]

This M1911 has been in our family for a long time, but I've never really looked into its history. From what I can tell, its parts are mixed and matched, but it looks like it might be a 1943 US&S. I was hoping maybe someone with a better knowledge could help me out?

Stamped on the barrel is the number 1051044.
Stamped above the trigger on the right side is the number 26895.
It also features the "FJA" inspection stamp, as well as "P" stamp on the frame and slide.

Included are a couple of photos. Thanks for the help!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/N766UA/colt1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/N766UA/colt2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/N766UA/colt3.jpg

[dewalt2]

Nice old 1911! I can't help you with the ID, but it looks to be a keeper.

[NyteOwl]

It is a mixmaster. The slide is a parkerized Colt. The frame is blued and based on the
Frank J Atwood inspection stamp, is an Ithaca or Remington Rand.

From the third picture it appears that all the Government Property references have been ground off, as has the serial number and a new one rather poorly stamped in it's place. The legality of such a pistol may be questionable.

Any history would be pure guesswork.

[Nordo]

I was wondering why it was lacking any indication of being gov't issue. Is there a reason someone would file it off, and then replace the serial number? It seems to me that if someone were trying to get rid of a serial, they'd just leave it blank.

[NyteOwl]

Well a completely removed jserial number ust screams STOLEN/CRIME GUN etc as it's obvious an attempt was made to make it untraceable/unidentifiable. By stamping a new number it gives an "air" of legitimacy for sale to those willing to take a chance or just unknowledgeable.

The ATF have in the past (and still do I believe) restamp numbers on guns under certain circumstances but that is not an ATF stamping.

[Doran]

Many pistols "liberated" from govt service had serials and USP marks removed and/or altered. Possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number is a federal offense charged to the person in possession whether that person altered the serial number or not. You can perform a forum search and see many threads concerning this situation.

[Nordo]

Interesting. It's been in the immediate family for decades, and we haven't done anything to it other than clean it. I'd be curious to know who removed the original S/N.

I'd hate to think I have an illegal weapon in my possession!

[Nordo]

From what I can tell, this seems to be a pretty common "problem" on 1911s. Would it be prudent to get into contact with the local ATF field office at some point, and see if it can be re-S/Nd? I'm also curious if the re-stamped number on the frame means anything?

I'm glad I checked these forums out. For the past 30 years my father and I have had this pistol, and it would never have occurred to either of us that the SN wasn't legit, or that it might be a problem. That is, up until I started doing a little research the other day!

[Duane Hansen]

I think I would let sleeping dogs lie. If you call upon the ATF, you would most likely get the 1911 confiscated and possibly be fined on top of that. Otherwise I don't think I would say anything. Years ago I was in a similar situation and I was selling several weapons at auction, one of the weapons came up as being stolen and used in a crime. I was questioned about it by the authorities at which time I told them how and when I came by it. They confiscated it and I never heard another word about it. I guess you can just roll the dice ........How lucky do you feel?

[bgiven]

The legality of such a pistol may be questionable.

No doubt about it.... that pistol is nothing but trouble, just looking for a place to happen. Just because it has been in your possesion for the last 30 years, doesn't explain the 35 years prior. The BATF doesn't care about the past... the present and who is in possesion right now is the only issue at hand.

One altered serial number equals ten years I believe.

[Nordo]

So let me get this straight:

If I keep it, I'm in possession of an illegal firearm.
If I turn it in, I'm in possession of an illegal firearm.

Catch 22, huh? Awesome. Well, it seems to me it won't do any harm so long as it stays put away... maybe I'll stick to just that. That's the way it's been all these years, anyway.

[hhs66]

No matter what ANYONE on this board or in life tells you, NEVER, EVER call the Federal Government for ANYTHING!! They are NOT your friend.

[Frank]

There's no doubt in my mind that this is a difficult situation. The proper approach is to find a lawyer knowledgeable regarding gun matters and have him contact BATF "on behalf of a client." Your state RKBA organization may be able to suggest one or more lawyers with the appropriate expertise.

I suspect that if this is properly handled, there is an excellent chance that you will be able to keep your gun with a new and legitimate serial number provided by BATF.

DVC

[TattooPaul]

Were I in this situation, I would look at shows or on auction sites for a Colt 'A1 reciever and make that other one disappear. It will get whomever possesses it some real trouble, even if they didn't alter it.

If it is important enough to keep the reciever because of it's heirloom quality, you can try Frank's suggestion. I know folks have done this without a lawyer but, unless you can contact one them through their postings on this forum to get their input, I agree that using a lawyer is a very wise idea.

[Rich-D]

The Serial Number being altered, the frame has little monetary value and is in clear violation of Federal Law. It most likely is not worth the Attorney fees involved.

If it were in my possession, I would make one of two choices. Either contact the ATF on my own, explaining the facts, as the gun was most likely liberated by a GI who took it home. Or destroy the gun so as not to take the chance (no matter how unlikely it may be) to be prosecuted and at the very least, lose my right to own firearms in the future.

No matter who contacts the ATF, the gun will most likely be taken in for testing.

The risk of possession by far outweighs the value of the frame!

Best of Luck!
Rich

[TJH3781]

I do not believe that the BATFE still has the renumbering program available at this date.
However, I have never seen a BATFE re-issued SN, so, maybe the SN on it is legitimate.
Only the BATFE & whoever stamped the SN can tell.

I do know that if it is in fact illegal, it is evidence & destroying it may also be a crime.

[TattooPaul]

I have never seen a BATFE re-issued SN, so, maybe the SN on it is legitimate.



That is not a BATF issued number. I have ones with an "ATF" prefix and "BATF" prefix and the alignment was much better. Lose that frame...

[RED]

Apart from the controversial SN, something else is disturbing : the front strap of the grip is stippled.

Red

[Rich-D]

Apart from the controversial SN, something else is disturbing : the front strap of the grip is stippled.

Red

Looks like Skate Board tape!

Rich

[bgiven]

I thought it was anti-skid tape as well.

[hhs66]

What about the number stamped in the barrel 1051044? It looks like it was roll stamped. Could that be some clue as to its history?

[bgiven]

The only thing that makes any sence on the barrel, is that it is out of a USGI National Match pistol that was built using a US&S frame, since that is a US&S serial number.