Would appreciate some help on this one. How can I tell if the frame is Colt as is the slide. I noticed the frame is marked with a "p" near the trigger guard and the top of the slide also has this same "p". I failed to photograph the top of the slide. Any other info. such as manufacture date etc. would be very helpful also. Thanks for looking Tomt
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Colt 1911A1
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Colt 1911A1
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Colt 1911A1
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Colt 1911A1
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Hi,
I am looking in one of my reference books,, Colt produced 135,210 pistols from serial # 2244804-2380013 in 1945. So your frame is a Colt.
The "P" is for the parkerised finish.
The GHD above the clip release button in the Government inspectors initials. His name is Guy H. Drewry LTC. His stamp was used 1930- 1957.
Nice looking piece there. The finish looks origional. Is it yours?Comment
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Fine lookin' pistol there Tom. From the photos, the finish looks original. You can see the slight change in color at the front of the slide, which is a good indicator of original finish. --- I think the "p" is for proof. It's a keeper for sure.
rThe probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
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Thanks Ronnie and Eric for your quick replies and the info. I needed. I have had this piece in my safe for several years and finally got motivated to post it. Would you have any idea of current market value--I'm putting together an inventory with values of the pieces I have. Hope this will make the wife feel better about the collecting illness. Thanks TomtComment
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1945 Colt 1911A1
Your Colt 1911A1 is a very nice example of a 1945 Colt production pistol. The slide has the Parko-Lubrite finish and the frame is parkerized and that is seen in your serial range. Colt received permission from the ordnance dept to change from the Parkerizing brand name to the Parko-Lubrite finish in December 1944, and you can see the finish of the Parko-Lubrite is much smoother than the Parkerizing. The P's are firing proofs, and are on the frame, slide and barrel. The trigger had been changed from the milled trigger to the stamped trigger by the time your pistol was made, along with the serrated slide stop and your pistol probably also has a narrow spur checkered hammer. The barrel should be 'Colt .45 Auto' marked on the left side, 'f' or '7' underneath and 'C' in a square on the lug and of course the P proof. The Mainspring Housing should have 7 ribs. If your pistol has the correct barrel and the other parts are correct, it's value is in the $1800 - $2400 range in that condition. Maybe a little more on a good day in the right place.
The GHD (Brigader General Guy Drewry) on the left side is under whose authority the pistol was inspected. He was Army Inspector of Ordnance, Springfield Ordnance District June 17, 1942 - July 15, 1945. His initials will be found on most ordnance items produced in the Springfield Ordnance District in that timeframe. You will see WRA/GHD on Winchester M1 Carbines, Garands and Shotguns, Underwood (GHD/UEF) M1 Carbines and so on. He would not have been the personal inspector, but resident inspectors worked under his authority to inspect ordnance item.
The P proofs on the frame and slide must match in size, shape and font to determine the slide is original to the frame. Colt stopped serial numbering matching slides in the 1million 14+ range, so wear patters and the P marks are the best determining factor in your range to determine correct slide/frame match. Your pistol was shipped to the Transportation Officer, Springfield Armory in April 1945. Nice pistol.Last edited by jdbwoodsman; 12-14-2006, 10:52 AM.Comment
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Colt 1911A1
I might also inject this note, the grips are Colt as well! They had their own style
with the wide surround on the screws. Inside the grips are differant than all the others. I also have a Colt Mfg. 1943, it has GHD and was refurbished at RIA
some time after the war. It is all original except the barrel which is a High Standard, most likely replaced during re-furb. My prized possesion. I think the initials EB are the RIA inspectors, I don't have the gun at the table at thia time.
He was the inspector untill 47 I believe. Super nice 45, ya gotta love em!
geopopComment
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Rock Island Arsenal repaired/inspected/rebuilt pistols from 1941 through 1958 with principally two men as small arms inspection foremen.Originally posted by geopop71 View Post
Frank Krack was the Assistant Foreman of the Inspection Division from September 17, 1941 until he retired July 19, 1946 and guns inspected during this time (1941-1946) will bear the marks (RIA/FK). Elmer Bjerke was promoted on January 6th, 1947 to Forman of small arms inspection at Rock Island Arsenal. He was responsible for the final inspection of new and overhauled small arms and served in that capacity until 1958. All small arms inspected under his supervision during that time (1947-1958) bear the markings (RIA/EB).Comment
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Tom,
I concurr with JB's assessment of value, if all correct parts as he enumerates. And yes, perhaps more on a good day.... Nice pistol. I'd be proud to have in my aggregation!!
rThe probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
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