Colt Commercial 1911 A1 - Nickle -???'s

[Mike Haas]

Colt Commercial Model 1911-A1 - Serial # 1258XX - in 80-90% condition. Has Nickel finish. The pistol is lettered by Colt as having been shipped to Von Lengerke & Anton. Walbash Ave. Chicago, Ill. in Sept. 1920.

My research thus far indicates that Colt did not Nickel or Chrome plate these guns at the factory. Research also indicates that VL&A would do that for "Special customers".

Any comments thus far??...

Information

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[Johnny Peppers]

Pictures would help.

I don't believe Colt offered nickel plating on the Government Model as a standard option until 1935, and don't believe they ever used chrome.

[Mike Haas]

Pictures would help.

I don't believe Colt offered nickel plating on the Government Model as a standard option until 1935, and don't believe they ever used chrome.

The factory letter indicates this pistol was shipped from the factory with Nickel finish -Sept 1920 - Sorry about my ommision of that pertnent info.

[Mike Haas]

Johnny Peppers..I knew someone was gonna ask. I had to have ny dinner.

[Johnny Peppers]

The Government Model is the 1911 type rather than 1911A1. The slide stop sure looks like the 1911A1 type though.

If the Colt letter indicates nickel finish, it must have been a special order. Colt had been nickel plating for years, and apparently would do it on special order on the Government Model.

[Scott Gahimer]

I believe Mr. Clawson states Colt introduced the "A1" type slide stop in late 1920, IIRC. My GM in the C127xxx range also has the same slide stop.

[Mike Haas]

I'd best take better pictures of this pistol and contact several major Auction Houses. I don't know how that all works but I'll find out.

If anybody has suggestions as to whom to contact or how the procedure generally works please advise.

TIA..Mike Haas