1944-45 Colt M1911A1...a little different than most.

[Scott Gahimer]

Based on the serial number, this pistol should have been shipped to Springfield Armory in December 1944. However, the original boxed C and D marked barrel indicates perhaps the pistol may have been completed later...that, and the fact that it does not have, and never did have, any Ordnance final inspection or Ordnance Acceptance crossed cannons applied.

That could indicate the pistol was not completed in time to be shipped to the U.S. government. In this case, only a Colt factory letter might indicate why the pistol lacks the inspection and acceptance marks. The next time I order letters, I will get one for this pistol. Hopefully, they will be able to letter it.

Some pistols without Ordnance inspection and acceptance marks were shipped to the U.S. government for military use. I have another such Colt documented to the U.S.S. Tisdale, a WWII Destroyer Escort. Colt wasn't the only manufacturer to have some pistols slip through without inspection and acceptance marks. I have an early Du-Lite blue Ithaca the same way.

Additionally, I have 3 other pistols without the markings, but they are authentic lunchbox pistols. Two Ithacas lack serial numbers and others markings. One Colt has a very late serial number (possibly post-WWII) and even lacks the VP, factory inspector and assembly marks, too. Colt doesn't even have a record of ever producing that pistol.

It just goes to show there are a few exceptions to the rules now and then. This pistol has the late Parko-Lubrite finish and is entirely original. The VP, factory inspector and assembler marks are struck after finish, and all other features of the pistol indicate a standard military production pistol...except for the lack of the G.H.D. and Crossed Cannons.

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