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Thread: Old Colt needs HELP!!!

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    30th June 2018
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    Old Colt needs HELP!!!

    So I got my first 1911 and learning some of the history of the piece (not to mention the history of the man who carried it) I am still awe struck. But I'm a little lost in tracking down her exact manufacture date. The serial number starts with the letter c if I punch it in to the site with the c, it comes back with no results. If I punch the number in without the c it comes back with a date of 1915. A guy at a local gun shop says she was made in 1921. She has features of both a1 and pre a1, so I'm not sure. I know she's old tho. The piece is amazing with one small problem, the hook broke off of the extractor. My second question for the experts is, did the extractors change any over the last century and will replacing it reduce her value (no, she's not for sale). Any input is greatly appreciated.
    Larry

  2. #2
    Join Date
    4th June 2004
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    Welcome to the forum.

    Posting the serial number with the last two digits replaced by XX might help. Clear photos of both sides and all markings also help. However, commercial pistols did not necessarily ship in strict numerical order. A Colt letter sometimes the best way to exactly determine the year. If you request a letter ask for the manufacture AND ship dates.

    Replaced parts normally hurt value. Overall condition of the pistol determines how much. A modern quality extractor should work if properly fitted.

  3. #3
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    30th June 2018
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    Thank you for getting back to me. Her number is c1304XX I can't figure out how to post pics. She has a longer horn on the grip safety, a checkered back plate and wider sights like an a1 yet she has a longer smooth trigger, diamond grips and just a slight chamfered edge on the frame behind the trigger (no big relief grind) like pre a1. I know I'm probably not using the right terminology but I'm still learning. I know the trigger and the grips can be changed but the frame just screams pre a1 to me. Again thank you.
    Larry

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    Charles Clawson's Commercial Series book lists C127720 - C131320 for 1921. The "New Style" pistols similar to the 1911A1 started 1924, your pistol was made with the earlier style parts. If you can remove the firing pin stop your pistol should have the digits of the serial number stamped around the firing pin hole in the slide.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    20th June 2005
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    Sounds like a pistol that already had a bunch of parts swapped out so with that value tanks. Replacing the broken extractor won’t hurt at all and as mentioned usually needs some tuning and fitting for optimal function

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