novice with a pic (hopefully) and a story on 1918 mfr 1911a1

[Michael03a3]

This was my grandfather's gun. He was a park ranger stationed at Yellowstone or somewhere out west at the entry gate during WW2. A soldier or ex-soldier was traveling through and when asked if he had any weapons, said yes, this gun. When told he had to turn it in and could pick it back up when he came back, the soldier said don't worry about it and gave it to my grandfather. That's the story, I can't say if it's true.

I know from this site that it's manufacture date is 1918. I'm sure the grips are not 1918 and might have been installed by my grandfather, he did a lot of gunsmithing including re-blueing guns. My question is, is the slide proper for 1918 gun? I've seen slides that had the colt horse at the rear of the slide. Any other parts look out of date for this year gun? The barrel has a small "F" on it, otherwise I can't find any other markings. Many thanks, and here is link to photobucket album with 5 pics: early 1911A1 pictures by Selmalinapilchard - Photobucket

[Michael03a3]

Upon further reading on this site, and closer inspection of the photos, the slide says Model of 1911, and not 1911A1.

[chuckchili]

The slide could be correct- the real experts will chime in- but the Colt horse was moved from the back of the slide to the center around serial number 285,000. It would also appear that your pistol went through a re-arsenal given the grips and main spring housing. It also looks like the pistol was refinished. If that refinish was grandpa's handywork, it adds to the family heirloom aspect of it.

[Scott Gahimer]

I believe your slide is from 1937. Check for a number on the back of the slide, under the stop plate. If it's what I suspect, there won't be a number there. I think your slide is from a spare parts kit.

[Michael03a3]

You're right Scott, no number . (I'm assuming this is what I'm looking for, by way of contrast: http://www.coolgunsite.com/images/19...lt/1942Co8.jpg )

[Johnny Peppers]

You posted that the slide does not have any other markings other than the one noted, but does it have a P proof in front of the back sight? The 1937 replacement slides had no serial numbers, but were proofed.

[Michael03a3]

Yessir, it does have the P proof in front of the back sight. Guess that answers that. So probably re-arsenaled sometime after 1937, and given replacement slide, plastic grips, mainspring housing, and who knows what else. Not to mention whatever replacement parts Gramps put on it. Thank you very much, all. Btw, it shoots great.