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  1. #1
    Legacy Member garand123's Avatar
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    WWI Colt 1911

    Hi Gents,

    Pictured below is a pistol that I recently acquired here in Canadaicon. According to the books, it was shipped to Springfield Armory in April, 1918 and appears to have been inspected by John M. Gilbert.

    Based on its age, I'd say it's in decent enough shape but there is some slight flaking on the left side of the slide - which I believe may have been caused by prolonged storage in a holster.

    Comments and questions are welcome!

    - Chris





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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  4. #2
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Nice pistol Chris, maybe these guys would like to see a bit more comprehensive pics? Picture heavy post?
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member mike radford's Avatar
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    Very nice one and a keeper.

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    Legacy Member theholeinthedonut's Avatar
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    Very nice 1911! Congratulations!

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    Legacy Member lkgmadmax's Avatar
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    That would be considered a Black Army 1911, to speed up production Colt eliminated a finishing step. Most Black Army Colts finishes did not hold up well and would flake very badly with wear. Your piece looks very nice and has been well cared for. A few years back the Black Army Colts were bringing less money that is not the case today, for one with a nice finish left on them, they are actually bringing 500.00 - 1,000.00 more than the brushed one from that period.

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    Legacy Member mike radford's Avatar
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    Where "Black Army" finishes actually began is a frequently debated question. I have always hated the term, and it is a collector term, not military or official. Kinda like Black Widow Lugers, collector/seller created term. In any event most collectors put the starting point past 300,000 serial number, some as high as 375000.

    One thing I definitely have noted on the guns in the so called BA serial ranges is that there was more variation in quality of the finish than many seem to think. I have seen some pretty nicely finished pistols in this range and have seen some that it looked like big chunks of finish simply fell off. My theory is that some of the older more experienced Colt employees had a harder time intentionally putting a lousy finish on the pistols and simply did their job better than many that had to be hired for the big 1918 push in production. Who knows, but the finishes do vary quite a bit and not all BAs are created equal.

    It is true that a high condition 1918-19 M1911 is quite hard to find and will sale for a good price.

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    Legacy Member Scott Gahimer's Avatar
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    The pistol shown is definitely Brushed Blue finish. "Black Army" surface prep was introduced at ca. s/n 303xxx, about the same time the Eagle's Head final inspection was introduced. I inspected a 303xxx pistol in KC a few years ago that had the late style surface prep and Eagle's Head finish. Had it been better condition, I'd show it to you now. But it was poor, so didn't buy.
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    Legacy Member mike radford's Avatar
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    This one seems to have a slightly better quality finish than many pistols in this serial range. I would like a minty one but they are tough to find.
    Last edited by mike radford; 08-15-2015 at 12:15 AM.

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    Legacy Member garand123's Avatar
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    Thread Starter
    Thank you for the positive comments gentlemen. Mike that's a very nice looking Colt! It appears to be a true "Black Army".

    - Chris

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    Beautiful pistol. Am always hoping for one like that. Thanks for sharing. Do you mind if I use your pics on my blog? A link is in my signature line. Thanks again.
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