Looking for Thoughts on a 1911A1 of mine

[RustyTank]

I have a 1911A1... looking for thoughts on the pistol...

pics at: http://www.myphoto.com/RustyTank/8672

- Looks like a 1943 Colt Manufacture
- G.H.D. stamp... consistent with Colt and 1943 date
- Remingtin Rand slide
- P, Verified Proof and Ordnance Department marks on the frame
- P and either a "M3" or "H3" mark on the barrel (actually I think it is an "HS"
- a 74 on the right side front end of the trigger guard... I don't know what that represents???
- A marking on the frame top just in front of the hammer that I can't make out or distinguish... any thoughts
- An "H" scratched on the right side of the slide by some thoughless bozo...

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- Any thoughts on value?

- I'm considering re-finishing the weapon... Parkerizing or a new matt blue finish... thoughts on that?? any good recommendations? I'm fond of the work done by Fogle's

- Shoots pretty tight... matches the performance of a 1960's commercial Colt 1911A1 in near new condition... (at least at my skill level...)

[Duane Hansen]

!943 Colt Frame with duplicate Ithaca serial number. HS marked High Standard barrel which would be original to RR, Ithaca or US&S. The 74 number is the inspector number. The P's are proof marks. I would leave the finish the way it is. Nothing you do to the pistol now would add any value to it. It's a mixed parts shooter grade pistol thats worth in the neighborhood of $800 plus or minus.

[rekladan]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your pistol, it sounds like you have a nice shooter.

[RustyTank]

Appreciate the feedback... I wish I could get rid of the intentional "H" scratched in the slide... any regular use nicks, scratches etc... just remind me of its age... thats what had me thinking of re-finishing...

[Duane Hansen]

If the H scratched in the side bothers you that much, you can refinish it if you want to spend the money. Or you could just buy a different slide and sell the offending slide to someone else to offset the cost. Its not too difficult to locate replacement slides. And at this point, nothing you do will hurt the value of the pistol.