Old Timer...

[gaptrick]

Seeing my dissertation on this was x'ed out by me, I'll keep this one short... What does my friend have here? He is interested in value, insurance value and any historical info one may have regarding manufacture and possibly its early travels.

Side note says I'm having issues posting pics so they will be posted in the comments if I cant get them in this post. Thanks to all.

Thanks all...20240104_174533 (1).jpg20240104_174544 (1).jpg

[Doran]

Primarily early parts, apparently refinished from these photos. Springfield grip panel left side; Colt right side. Is the face of the trigger serrated?

Biggest issue the not original serial number. Mere possession of firearms with altered serial numbers constitutes a felony offense.

[gaptrick]

I do see the subtle difference between grip panels. What makes you believe the SS has been altered though?

[Doran]

Font, style and location differ from Colt standard. Your photos appear to show the final acceptance stamp WGP used through approximately serial number 101000. These links from ColtAutos.com show serial number 3624 with early placement forward on the dust cover and serial number 20514 with normal placement. Serial number 3454 had forward placement if that's the original serial number restamped.

http://www.coltautos.com/1911usmc_3624.htm

http://www.coltautos.com/1911ci_20514.htm

[Jim Watson]

Also, the prefix should be "No." not "NO".

http://www.coolgunsite.com/images/19...8/1912na28.jpg

[gaptrick]

Also, the prefix should be "No." not "NO".

http://www.coolgunsite.com/images/19...8/1912na28.jpg

hmmm... Even in just these Photos I see deviations with the "number) abbreviation. My offering has capital "N". and "O", another has a capital "N" but a lower case "O" while the third picture will show a capital "N" and an UNDERSCORED small "O"...

I also see where mine has a SQUARE period and not a round die punch for the period. I also see what looks like a "4" over a "4" and a "5" over a "5"... What I can't see is any reworking where an original SS could have lived prior to this one if in fact it was moved.

Are there any other indications on this frame that could date this as a true under 4K number? All help appreciated. (Would Colt have information?)

[gaptrick]

Zooming in I see a 4 over a 4 and a 5 over a 5...weird...

[Doran]

Some other indications of removed serials are dished out areas; sometimes detectable with a straight edge along the frame.
Different thicknesses of the sides of the frame along the dustcover if surface ground.

Mfg tolerances and worn tooling might affect these areas also.

[Jim Watson]

Serial number on the OP is in the wrong place for that early a gun, too.

[Doran]

I mentioned incorrect placement if that was the original serial restamped. The OP never stated whether the trigger was serrated. MSH also possibly checkered.