Serial number locations for pre 1920 1911?

[chutestrate]

I was willed an old 1911 that I'm pretty sure is all original. I'm looking for serial numbers, and can only find one on the frame. The exterior slide doesn't have a serial, but online searches suggest looking underneath the barrel for another.

Could anyone suggest locations on the slide to find serial numbers?

[knight0334]

Not all 1911's were stamped on all the major components.

There aren't many places to hide a serial number... ...just take it apart and look.

Places to look:

1. along the disconnect track under the slide.
2. in the barrel channel in the slide
3. behind the firing pin stop
4. bottom side of barrel

The only one that really matters is the one on the receiver.

[bogey1]

If you find it, i have a book that will tell when it was manufactured. let me know make and date.

[chutestrate]

Many thanks to both of you. I haven't broken it down yet, but I'll be looking tonight.

[bartomark]

Colt slides were marked under the firing pin stop from ser#710001 to about #1140000 matching the receiver #s. I think before then they were stamped with ordnance inspector marks under the firing pin stop. In case you don't know how to remove it ,with the slide removed from the lower holding the muzzle end down, use a pen point to push in on the firing pin while sliding the firing pin stop out. Be careful the firing pin doesn't fly out. You can also identify the proper slide by the slide markings , pat. dates etc. Check out the 1911 forums if you have any questions as they are helpful in identifying old war horses. Congratulations on your new toy.....

[tripleS]

Many thanks to both of you. I haven't broken it down yet, but I'll be looking tonight.

When you do get it apart to look and are putting it back together be cautious about putting the "idiot scratch" in it. Although chances are a pistol that old already has one in it.