Another Buy the Gun, Not the Story but a 1911
Quick note - essentially this same question has been posted on another forum for those who are on both and are thinking they have seen this before.
I have been offered a Model 1911 (serial number 340469) with a story about it having been carried by a Sergeant in the 150th Infantry. The 150th was broken up on arrival in France and few if any of the members saw any active combat.
As I am not a gun collector, I am asking for any information that would show that this pistol could not have been bought/stolen from the military in say 1919. According to my copy of Clawson's Collectors Guide to Colt .45 Service Pistols which is the only reference I have, it appears to be correct for a mid 1918 production pistol. One informed gentleman on the other forum said that it appears that it was shipped to Bush Terminal in late June 1918 for shipment overseas, along with several thousand others.
The barrel has the correct appearing H and P proofs, the same H on the top of the slide over the firing pin retainer. H and R on the top of the frame around the disconnector, no G but I am told this is not unknown in this time frame. Eaglehead over S8 inspector mark.
The finish is mostly gone with a blue/brown patina remaining on most parts and some small areas of pitting. Certainly not a pistol for the serious collector, but I like things like this that show use and wear as long as they are not "fooled with". Was this pistol in the so called Black Army series?
One of the things that bothers me is the odd "stripes" on the slide stop/release and the safety. Very unusual wear pattern if that is what it is.
Any comments or suggestions of what to look for will be welcomed.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...09/07/RS-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...09/07/LS-1.jpg