Colt 1911 us army serial number serial#

So.nearly 50,000 pistols in two shipments.all with considerable overlap in serial numbers.Ĭlawson also states a lot of pistols after s/n 600,000 did not get recorded in the shipping records (or no longer exist today). There were over 12,000 pistols listed as being in that shipment. The last shipment of pistols listed in Clawson's book is 3 March, 1919. I don't recall offhand the highest numbered brushed blue pistol I've seen.but I'd say by the time the numbers started approaching 400,000, most if not all were black army by then.Ĭlawson says that after WWI hostilities ended, Colt's went back to using the final polishing steps, and started turning out brushed blued pistols again before production ceased in early 1919. However, I own and have seen a lot of original pistols 50,000 numbers higher that are 'brushed blue'. I've seen other pistols in that general range that were black army finish, too. I owned a nice pistol in the 316xxx range that was also black army. So, the short answer is 'no', there isn't a specific serial range.Ĭlawson, in his first book, shows Colt 313721 as one of the earliest examples of a pistol with the black army finish.

Colt 1911 us army serial number serial number#

The result was pistols were shipped with significant serial number overlaps. These pistols were not manufactured or shipped in numerical order. I'd say just keep it, the way it makes you happy with it.Ĭreate an account or login in order to post a comment.At the time the 'black army' Colts were produced, pistols were being turned out far faster than ever before. I believe you know the value already and you let it go to he bottom of the range. The magazine is correct for the period and I would say is original.

Should have a H and P stamped on the barrel hood located through the ejection port or it could be a connected HP. Thus an early start to what it looks like today. Could fall into the category of a 'Black Army' that had a rough style of finish to start. No4xxx06 that was mfg.ed during mid part of the last 1/2 of 1918. $200.00 with the red velvet scabbard and tin blade, even signed India? The patience of an antique store owner. Our local antique mall has a 'made in India' sword for sale. Which sword the jin tachi on the wall or the gunto sword in the pile of military stuff? Hey, that Samurai sword looks to be more interesting and may be more valuable than the 1911. Too bad I haven't come across one of those auctions you described in my neck of the Oklahoma woods! They have tried and they do talk up a good one.įascinating description of our local Oklahoma auction proclivities. They also warned me about scammers out there that will try to get it from you cheap. Several people have been trying to buy it for some time now. It had never been fired and went through the South Pacific and North Atlantic during WWII. I typed it up and had him sign and notorize the document. My stepdad gave me his Colt 1911 Auto and told me the history of it. They also told me the clips could be valuable They would have to see yours to evaluate it. You have a gun there that could be worth close to $15,000.00 based on what was shown and explained to me by gun experts when i took mine in for evaluation.

You can also find them on Discovery Channel.

Colt 1911 us army serial number how to#

There are very knowledgeable people out there that know how to deal with this one. I would get advice on cleaning it and then maintain it. They are the best firing hand gun ever made. I had a 1911 when i was a Military Police. don't use any abrasive brushes or steel wool etc, just a soft cloth and some oil.boy, if that gun could talk! Take good care of that old war horse! perhaps just keep a coat of WD-40 on it for now. Unless the original finish was rusty brown it is already there? Let's just say a well worn colt 45arp. The old holster has an upgrade for WW2 with a black leather belt hook also dated.

Colt 1911 us army serial number serial numbers#

Serial numbers drop this one into 1913 and it has been through two world wars before I got it. Like all guns condition plays a huge role in value.īe careful, OVER cleaning into the metal will hurt value as well. M1911s are VERY desirable for collectors. Rusting over a long period of time will destroy the original finish and eventually pit the metal.