I have added a link to some photos, sorry if they aren't the greatest. Don't have a macro lens for my digital yet.

http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd81/Ypoons22/

First, I am a military history buff, not a handgun expert so I am somewhat clueless as to proper identification. I've been checking the various online resources, but am still having difficulty. I picked up a Colt Model 1911 recently from a older gentleman who said it was carried by his grandfather in WW1. I have been collecting military swords and bayonets and decided to start looking for military handguns. At the same time I plan on shooting this one on occassion. The guy I got it from claims it was manufactured in 1916, but I think it is of 1918 vintage. The gun isn't in the best of condition having been stored in a leather holster inside of a cardboard box and bubble wrap for at least four years.

The right hand side of the slide reads "Model of 1911 U.S. Army". Left hand of slide has the patents through Aug. 19, 1913, the Colt horse between the patents and the Colt's PT. F.A. MFG CO Hartford, CT. U.S.A. marking. There is no serial number on the frame and it appears that there never was.

Other markings include:

Barrell – S over P on left side of lug, P is larger than S.

Eagles Head inspection mark with S17 on left side of frame.

There is a G on top of the frame near the disconnector.

H on slide above hammer.

There is a figure 8 on the frame slide rail, right hand side.

Number 54 on trigger guard, just under trigger.

This does have the heart shaped cut outs under the grips and the grips have the large diamonds at each screw hole.

Magazine appears to be the Type IV version.

Also came with an unused box of 50 Cartridges, Ball "Match Caliber .45 M1911, Lot FC 1932, Federal Cartridge Corporation and a leather holster marked 14D the George Lawrence Co., Portland, Oregon 518.

Can someone help me determine whether or not this is truly a military handgun? Also, is there a reason that no serial number appears? Could this be a gun that "walked off" an assembly line?

Thank you in advance for any assistance provided.

Pictures would be a great help.

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"The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper

Just added a link to photos.

Another coincidence. I have seen two other Colt 1911 without ser.#. Did have inspection marks and type IV mag. A Springfield eagle acceptance mark, color is black. No ser #. For some reason does'nt add up to the lunch box theory. Tight pistol, no play.

I am far from an expert on this issue but since I do own a 1911A1 I have done quite a bit of research.
I can tell you that #54 on the trigger guard is the assembler's number. From serial #s710,001-1,140,000 you will most likely find the serial number under the firing pin retainer plate.
Another reference source would be Charles Clawson"s book "Colt .45 Service Pistols"

Russa:

If the main spring housing is smooth and flat you may have a 1916 to 1919 weapon.

The pistol was made in 1918 or 1919 and originally had a serial number. The eagle's head/S17 final inspection would not have een applied to a pistol wthout a serial number.

Also, in the photos provided of the right side of the frame, if you look just behind the slide stop pin, there are grind marks from when the serial number was removed. The UNITED STATES PROPERTY was over the serial number on this pistol, which indicates the serial number was between 510,000 +/- and 629,500.

Sorry for the bad news. The pistol is illegal to possess if the number has been removed or obliterated.

Worse yet, the way the law is written, whoever currently possesses a firearm with an altered or removed serial number is, by law, automatically presumed to be the person who altered or removed it.

Obviously, this is a serious problem, especially since you have already taken possession of the piece. Apparently the BATFE (at least some of the agents) are aware that a lot of guns followed GIs home after WW2 and that the GIs removed the serial numbers in an effort to hide the fact that they had effectively stolen government property. They may be willing to work with you to either reclaim the serial number, or to assign a replacement serial number.

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Hawkmoon
On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside