Real Colt 1911?

[bubbles118]

I acquired this from a family friend. I'm very confident the frame is a reproduction but wasn't sure if the slide was genuine. Is there any way to tell if it's a true WWI or WWII slide or a replica? Right side is marked Model of 1911 U.S. Army.

 

[wcd]

You may wish to page the MOUSE

 

[88E30M50]

Better pics would help. Have you tried to look the SN up? It might be that what you have is original hardware that's been restored. Could be a later 1911 from Colt with an older slide to give it a USGI appearance.

 

[bubbles118]

Better pics would help. Have you tried to look the SN up? It might be that what you have is original hardware that's been restored. Could be a later 1911 from Colt with an older slide to give it a USGI appearance.

That's what it appears to be. Is there anywhere I can get the slide authenticated? If it's from WWI or WWII I wouldn't want to shoot it much but if it's a later make I'd like to take it to the range.

 

[wcd]

That's what it appears to be. Is there anywhere I can get the slide authenticated? If it's from WWI or WWII I wouldn't want to shoot it much but if it's a later make I'd like to take it to the range.

Seriously if it is sound, shoot it enjoy it and think about the stories it could tell.

 

[rob63]

The slide looks genuine, but it has certainly been refinished. I wouldn't worry about hurting the value by shooting it.

 

[ghitch75]

from your pic the inspectors mark on the frame puts it between Sept 30 1914 to Jan 12 1918 Gilbert H Stewart was the inspector at the time.....i can't tell what year the slide as i would need better pics....

as far as shooting it keep them 800fps or under there was no heat treating of the frames or slides and you beat it up

and yes the frame is a real Colt

 

[walt o]

The last numbers of the serial should be underneath the fp stop
you will have to pull down the stop ,don't have to remove it .DON'T let it fly away

 

[Oro]

The parts all look correct to that period, so it's likely all original besides the grips and refinish. That's a bonus. Can't say for certain without breaking it down some/more pics, but it looks good so far.

With early ones it's good to use a shock-buff if you shoot them, and make sure the spring is new-ish and not worn out. This will prevent frame or slide cracking (fingers crossed).

 

[STEEL CORE]

Looks good.
I have my Dads 1911 Colt frame, WW II Colt slide.