Is this Remington Rand original or refinished?

[herby]

Hi All,

I am new to the world of USGI m1911s and would like to purchase my first. I found this Remington Rand, appears to be in excellent shape, but I am concerned that it is re-finished. The dealer claims it is original and is asking $1400. A knowledgeable friend of mine said the lack of an "idiot scratch" is a possible sign of a refinish.

I checked the SN and it does appear to be an early remington rand number. Also I've read that the mis-matched tone of the slide and frame were evident in some Rands. I would appreciate any help you can provide.


















Thanks

Information

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[Duane Hansen]

This Rem Rand may or may not be refinished, its really hard to tell without a hands on inspection but one thing is for sure, the RR factory never turned out a finished pistol with unmatching finish, frame to slide. Both pieces may have original finish but both may be off of different pistols to begin with.

One thing to note, the frame rails in the pictures looks like the finish has not had even a scratch on it. Generally you would expect to see at least some wear on the mating channels, frame to slide. Maybe an indicator that the pistol frame has possibly been refinished.

[browningautorifle]

Yes the frame is RR I think because of two things. I had 1031415 and it's very close to that one. Second is the NO. in front of the serial which is the way they marked them. The idiot scratch is from the slide stop and would be over the FJA on the left of the frame. Not necessarily any kind of an indicator, as my 1911 A1 doesn't have one and I've had it for some years. Most of the guns I've seen don't have them. As Duane says, it's hard to judge the originality without having the gun here. It looks good but if it was carefully glass bead blasted there would be no evidence of refinish except the parkerizing itself. The reason for the different colours would be different batches of different age parkerizing solution. Also impurities in the solution will discolour. You could get a new gun with slightly different colour parts overall. The finish was durability not esthetics. I still think it's a bit rich though.

[DougH]

IMHO, from the pics you posted, the finish is original. Everything is extremely crisp, and you will find color variations in slides and frames with some RRs. To be sure of originality, the crossed cannons, P proofs, and serial number should be in the white. Also, the feed ramp should be unfinished. Check out this website: http://www.coolgunsite.com/
Also, I recommend Clawson's book; the Collectors Guide to Colt .45 Service Pistols Models of 1911 and 1911A1, Third Edition.