COLT 1918 - Model of 1911 U.S. Army & Colt Automatic Calibre 45 on slide - C/M stamp

[Sabre223]

My first post here. I've lurked and read for years. Be kind.

I recently made a purchase. Those of you in the know, know I paid plenty for this (at today's going rate). So, I'm posting photos to get a little validation that I did ok? I've Googled until the internet shut down...about this Commercial slide to Military use. When I saw it for sale I knew it was different. Serial No 33XXXX.

I took a million pictures and compared wear and use marks. It appears to me that everything about this 1911 matches up perfect. So I believe I got one that has all original parts, never been re-arsenaled, as it was manufactured in 1918. Looking at the bore and wear, it doesn't look like it was shot much. The rust on the flat of the mainspring housing and front of magwell / grip matches the deterioration of the holster flap. I think its been in this holster for a long long time? Holster is marked inside with the rank of T-5 and a name. I searched archives and only found 3 persons by that last name enlisted in WWII. One was Airborne, one was artillery, and one was AirCorp (I called him -the AirCorp guy- and he said he was never issued a 1911). The other 2 have passed.

Anyway, anything I'm not seeing here? Just looking for some input that I did ok. I know someone's gonna ask so I paid over 2G and under 3G.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Sabre223]

[Sabre223]

Trying to get the lighting right on the roll stamps.

[browningautorifle]

Nice, nice, nice old pistol. I'd love to have that one.

[Sabre223]

Thanks Jim.

No other thoughts?

[Seaspriter]

Nice weapon in great shape. Others are more detailed experts than I on your 1911.

IMHO, your first task is to prevent further deterioration of the holster. Don't do anything quite yet until you get several opinions on treatment from the forum.

My solution would be to treat it with an old-fashioned formula consisting of 40% beeswax, 30% pure neatsfoot oil, and 30% lanolin (mixed in a double boiler) and applied warm (not hot nor cold) inside and outside. Don't scrub it in, and let the mixture sit for a week, then apply a second coat to make sure the leather has stabilized. I've had great luck with this formula that was handed down from my great grandfather who was in the leather business in the 1800s.

Again, don't do anything to the holster until you've received several opinions (there are other options), then make your choice.

[Promo]

I also once had one of those with the military re-used commercial slide, I sold it because it was reblued. Still a nice and different variant. You should keep it!

[1563621]

Get some picards on the holster, Nice 1911, a keeper!

[Sergio Natali]

I've just seen your thread, as I wrote to you in another Forum for what I can see from your pictures, the pistol should be one of the so called "Black Army" COLT M1911 pistols made and shipped between May 1918 and March 1919.
For several reasons very few of them survived in their original dark blue finish.
Yours still looks very shiny and almost brand new compared to its holster, I think you've got a lovely gun.


Best.
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[A square 10]

i know its an old thread - i have one as well , same year , still in original finish albeit a bit worn , my holster is a bit better but came with it and we knew the soldier well ,