Hello all,
I am new to the forum with my recently acquired Model 1911. I have looked at the info site and others. From what I can tell so far I have a Model 1911 45 auto, SN 158620, which puts it at a 1917 manufacture date. On the left side it has correct 97, 02, 05, 11, 13 pat dates, Colt pat marks, colt horse strike on back of slide, United States Property, and GHS inspect mark above mag release. On right side of gun it has SN only, and the Model of 1911 US Army marks. Correct P and H inspection marks. It has non diamond grips, non-lanyard mag and is all crome or nickle. Came in standard 45 auto holster, marked US, G&K, 1918, A.G. So I have a few questions....
1. I assume grips and mag are just non correct replacements or possibly WW II re-fit?
2. Was there ever any crome or nickle guns issued to US army? or is this a commercial re-finish?
3. curious about value - gun is in very good shape, all functioning, finish good to very good, gun certainly used and not close to mirror finish.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
Regards,
Joe

The nickel finish was added after the pistol had left the service. At one time nickeled pistols were all the rage, especially if the owner was trying to make it look as flashy as possible to avoid its detection as an ex-military arm (prior to the 1950's it would have been considered stolen government property). The grips have been replaced, and probably the magazine as well. Value is probably in the $400-$450 range.

Not all the nickel plating was even commercially done. There was a manufacturing plant in a town just south of me that made light fixtures of all kinds and had a plating shop. Many local pistols went through it's plating shop, and some never went back together as the plating built up sideplates and close tolerance parts to the extent that they no longer fit. A few years back an early Model 1900 American Eagle Luger was brought into the local gunshop to be reassembled, as the owner could no longer remember how to reassemble it after having it nickel plated. The American Eagle crest as well as most of the corners had been buffed badly.

D. Kamm and Johnny,
Thanks for your input. The nickle finish does make it fancy and it has a good look to it. I would have preferred orignial finish.

Would you guys recommend keeping the nickle finish or getting a re-finishish bluing done? Also I am anxious to take it out for a few rounds. It checks out functionally and I know they were rugged so I assume there is no problem. There is some slight play in the trigger (very slightly loose up and down). Is that any significant issue?

The loose trigger is normal. Just make sure all the safeties work correctly and the disconnector function is normal. Here is a website to help you out: http://usgi1911.tripod.com/function/

Regarding refinishing, it's your pistol and your choice. Me, I don't like aircraft signal mirrors that double as handguns so I'd have the finish stripped off if it were mine. Just be careful who does it for you, as some shops do a better job than others. You might want to start with Evolution Gun Works (www.egw-guns.com) or Ron's Gun Shop (www.ronsgunshop.com).

D. Kamm, I went through the function/safety checklist I found here, or at another site. But I will follow up with your recommended site. I have to agree with your comments on refinishing. Thanks again for your input.

Joe