Can you tell me about my 1911?

[mjd932]

I was given this pistol as a gift yesterday. It was in the family for over 35 years and it was chromed when he received it. It looks like it was poorly chromed over some imperfections. On the left side it has patent dates for: (Apr 20, 1897) (Sept 9, 1902) (Dec 19, 1905) (Feb 14, 1911) (August 19, 1913). It also says:
COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG CO.
HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.
On the right side it says:
MODEL OF 1911.U.S.ARMY

SN: 216xxx





I'm sorry for the crappy pictures, but if anybody can tell me a little bit more about this pistol I would really appreciate it. I'll try to get better pictures up soon. Thanks!

[jdlv4_0]

It appears to be an Army model from 1917 or 1918 see: http://www.coltautos.com/

I'm sure some more of the forums members can tell you about it. PARifleman is a 1911 collector and can probably provide you with good info.

Congrats on the gift, you've got a GREAT collectors piece there with a lot of history.

[GRIZZLYBEAR]

If I remember my Colt manufacturing history correctly with the 216XXx serial number it's was manufactured in 1917.

With the pictures you posted I could find a US Government marking on this one.

grizz

[mjd932]

Thanks for the help guys. It looks like it was made in 1917 and was a USMC pistol. Grizz, how could you tell that it was government issue? Is it the tiny mark above the magazine release?

[aubie515]

That is an awesome gift. Congrats on your new pistol. Let us know how she shoots.

[mjd932]

Originally Posted by aubie515

That is an awesome gift. Congrats on your new pistol. Let us know how she shoots.

Will do. Right now I'm looking for info about disassembly and such. I'd never even held a 1911 before receiving this pistol so I have a lot to learn. I need to pick up a mag as well since it fits rather tightly and upon release needs to be pulled out with a LOT of force to get it past where the mag release is. It looks like the top has been bent a little bit. After a good cleaning and inspection I'll try shoot her as soon as possible! This gift has a lot of sentimental value to me. I do wonder what it's worth though since it's been chromed and such...

[mjd932]

Well, I'm learning a lot of info today! Unfortunately one thing I learned is that my grip safety isn't working...

Also, there is no "U.S. Government Property" on the left side of the frame like others I've seen. Any reason for that?

[PA Rifleman]

Originally Posted by mjd932

I was given this pistol as a gift yesterday. ... can tell me a little bit more about this pistol ...

A few links for your consideration:
http://www.coltautos.com/default.asp
http://www.sightm1911.com/
http://www.model1911a1.com/
http://www.sightm1911.com/1911Production.htm

[mjd932]

Well, I can't seem to figure out why there's no government property mark on the left side. Maybe the original owner removed it for legal reasons? Also, there's an odd mark on the barrel which I couldn't identify. There's supposed to be an f and a p. Instead I have this weird mark:


I tore it down this evening and spent a few hours cleaning it. Looks like there's hardly any rifling left. It was awesome to handle a 90 year old piece of history!
Here's a few more pics for your viewing pleasure. (There's no sun so the pictures still suck.)

[PA Rifleman]

Originally Posted by mjd932

Well,... Looks like there's hardly any rifling left.

Don't trash it yet. My 1943 Ithaca that has a bore that resembles old sewer pipe, it shoots just fine. If the bullets don't tumble and it stays on the paper, you should be fine.

This pistol will always have intrinsic value as a functioning 45 caliber pistol even if the collector value is nil.