Great Grandpa’s 1911- 1911 Guru’s please chime in

22Rimfire

22Rimfire

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Picked up this 1911 from my Grandfather today. It was his wife/ my grandmothers Dad’s pistol. He served in WW2 as well as Korea.

My grandfather seems to think it was his “match/target” gun. I’m fairly certain he is mistaken and is thinking of the High Standard HD Military that my Great Grandpa gave my dad about 25 years ago.

Anyways, what all can you tell me about it. SN on the slide is in the 521XXX range. Markings on one side day Model of 1911.US.Army and the other side Patented Dec 19.1905 Fev 14-1911 Aug 19 1913 Colt PT. F A MFG. CO.

I do not see any marking on the mag or anywhere else.
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Any issues putting current factory ball ammo through it? I was planning on putting a box or two through it tomorrow with some friends. Then I will clean it up and take some more pictures.

Unfortunately it was given to me under the promise of “can you please shoot this and make sure it functions Incase I need to use it”.

I HOPE but doubt I will get it. My grandfather has one son who will most likely end up inheriting it. He’s not much of a gun guy. I plan to make it known since he doesn’t have any kids I’d like it one day.


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Me. said:
Serial lookup says 1918.

Sights and trigger are not original.

Looks like someone tried to solder on a front sight using a blow-torch.


Looks like you have an over-100-year-old 1911.


Can you get good closeups of the stamps, such as the one above the mag release button?
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The discolored front slide is from the powder residue from the few mags I shot. I can get better pictures tomorrow


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Nice old 1911, I hope you end up with it.
 
Me. said:
If you really want to know if it is safe, take it to a qualified gunsmith. I’m not sure how you find one, as there are plenty of gunsmiths who are....um....not.

Likely, it’s fine. What’s the worst that could happen?

Field strip it. Inspect all parts for cracks or signs of stress, slap it back together and function check it.
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Oh it definitely functions. I broke it down earlier today and looks for anything out of the ordinary. Looked good and the couple of mags I put through it worked fine.


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The metal is much softer on the old ones... I wouldn't shoot it a lot considering it is probably very collectible/valuable. I'd offer to trade it for a proper defense pistol. The last thing you want is for that to end up in some evidence locker.
 
James said:
The metal is much softer on the old ones... I wouldn't shoot it a lot considering it is probably very collectible/valuable. I'd offer to trade it for a proper defense pistol. The last thing you want is for that to end up in some evidence locker.
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Good to know and I will definitely keep that in mind. When he gave the gun to me he had it loaded with Remington Ultimate Defense. I suspect they are loaded pretty hot.

Unfortunately I have an uncle that I suspect will get this. I could offer a high end 1911 or other pistol and there’s no way he would trade it. When I return it I will make it known that I am interested in it.


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Me. said:
It’s not that valuable, in a dollar-sense. Even if it is parts-matched (unlikely?) it’s worth over $1000, but less than 2K.

Its value is in family heirloom and overall coolness.
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Oh no doubt about it. It’s the sentimental value to the family for sure, not monetary.


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Honestly I’d refresh the springs just because ... which wouldn’t be to much for a gun I might not inherit. If later you do inherit it I’d do the standard preserve/conserve cleaning and such on it but I would look to switch that trigger out for one of appropriate appearance ... you can even find vintage replacements if you check around. After that I’d love the old warhorse and exercise her with care on special occasions ... if she could only tell her stories ...
 
Please be sure and check the recoil spring, and/or replace it with a 16-18 lb one if it's old. You can beat those old guns half to death with modern loads, and in a hurry!! Cases should eject about 5", if they're going further than that get a new spring, or a stronger one, please!! I'm a gunsmith; graduated from Colo. School of Trades 3 decades ago.. and have done a good bit of 1911 work. Please don't let anything happen to that great old survivor! Ben
 
I am old school so I still think 1-2k is quite a bit of monetary value - especially when you can still get suitable defensive pistols for 600 or less even during overly dramatized pandemics. :)
 
Me. said:
Serial lookup says 1918.


Looks like someone tried to solder on a front sight using a blow-torch.
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Yeah, they sure didn’t do it any favors but still a great piece!
 
Ben W. said:
Please be sure and check the recoil spring, and/or replace it with a 16-18 lb one if it's old. You can beat those old guns half to death with modern loads, and in a hurry!! Cases should eject about 5", if they're going further than that get a new spring, or a stronger one, please!! I'm a gunsmith; graduated from Colo. School of Trades 3 decades ago.. and have done a good bit of 1911 work. Please don't let anything happen to that great old survivor! Ben
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5 inches?
 
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Hold up on the value and dates. A 1918 serial number does not mean a 1918 gun. It’s possible that it’s much older with it carrying the 1913 patent date. Lots were shipped back to the states, check, smithed, and serialized after the war. They carry a 1918 serial number. If you want all the details contact Colt.

Nice pistol.


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chiefjason said:
Hold up on the value and dates. A 1918 serial number does not mean a 1918 gun. It’s possible that it’s much older with it carrying the 1913 patent date. Lots were shipped back to the states, check, smithed, and serialized after the war. They carry a 1918 serial number. If you want all the details contact Colt.

Nice pistol.


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Will give them a call Monday. Super busy day and tomorrow is fun cleaning day. Will post more pictures then. Thanks for the member that posted about the recoil spring. Ordered two different weight ones this evening. Didn’t even cross my mind. I suspect the one that’s in it is very very old.


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I have a buddy with a pre 1918 1911. Iirc it’s around 1913 or so. Very early model. He basically rebuilt the internals before shooting it. Keep all the parts though. He basically stole that gun for what he paid. Less than a used Glock.


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