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I was speaking with a Greek Army Captain here in Afghanistan the other day, and she was kind enough to show and let me photograph her pistol. Based on the serial number, I believe it was originally built in 1913, and then overhauled at RIA, where I presume the grips were replaced, and the High Standard barrel was fitted.
It appears that every part was replaced when it went through rebuild during the WWII time period. Additionally the slide, slide stop, safety lock, grip safety, and hammer were changed, along with the finish being changed from blue to phosphate. One early Keyes grip panel and a Colt.
Wow, that's cool. Thanks.
I didn't realize that many parts were changed, but thought it was pretty cool that a 98 year old 1911 is still serving today.
When the pistols went through rebuild they were torn down completely, unserviceable parts discarded, and parts that could be rebuilt saved. Everything saved went it's own way to be refinished. After refinishing parts were randomly selected and the pistol put back together. No attempt was made to keep the original parts together.
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Originally Posted by NavyEngineer
Yes, it is, and thanks for posting this here.
Could it be that the rear sight is positioned VERY left?
Darn, tell her the "experts" say she shouldn't be shooting a 1911 that old and you will be glad to "save" her from possible injury and take it off her hands if she can arrange it! LOL Just shows JMB knew what he was doing. BTW I have # 40371 and she is still in service, just resigned to limited duty since I have others to take the burden of daily use.
Thaine
The rear sight was way too far left, the recoil spring was pretty weak, and there wasn't a trace of lubrication on it. Other than that, it appeared to be in good shape. I would've loved to have taken it off her hands.
Wow, that is cool. thank you for sharing, what a great story.