Parkerize Finish on Late WWII 1911A1 Question

[Jughead]

I understand that during the Colt Parko-Lubrite Parkerizing switching issue that frame and slide early style and parko-lubrite parkerized maine parts were intermixed and found on the same gun. However, by the end of production in 1945 on SN 229xxxx would one expect to still see a early style parkerized frame with a late Parko-Lubrite slide? I would think by this late date that all the early style parkerized pieces had been used up.

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[Ken Hill]

I am not sure what your question is. Clawson write in his Collectors Guide (3 ed.) that there was a mismatch of finishes found on slides and frames on pistols within the 2250000 thru 2300000 range. I'd expect to find the same issues with small parts.

[Johnny Peppers]

The difference you are seeing in the finish is that most of the late pistols had a sandblasted receiver and a slide that was not sandblasted. The difference in appearance has caused some to assume that the bottom is Parkerized and the top is Parko-Lubrite. Ordnance allowed Colt to skip the final polish on the feed ramp to remove the finish since the Parko-Lubrite was so smooth, and if you look at the top of the receiver as well as the feed ramp you will notice that they are extremely smooth since the inside was not sandblasted, where the outside of the receiver is rough from the sandblasting.

Below are two late Colts finished in Parko-Lubrite with the first have a receiver that was not sandblasted, and the second with a sandblasted receiver. Neither slide was sandblasted before finish. There is a noticeable difference in color of the receiver that was sandblasted and the slide that was not, and especially so if the pistol is oiled.

[Jughead]

So what do we have here finish wise? The slide is late smooth Parko-Lubrite. But, does the frame look like early style parked or Parko Lubrite blasted or not? THANKS.

[Johnny Peppers]

What is the serial number? Maybe it is a 1944 receiver and a 1945 slide.

[Jughead]

229xxxx

[Johnny Peppers]

229XXXX ? That is strange.

[John Holbrook]

---------- Post added at 01:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------

[Ken Hill]

I have 2290219 tucked away and will have to open up the packing in a week or so. It is a ca. mid to late 1950's USA retail purchase after being returned with UK proofs. If I recall correctly it appears to have the same finish as John Holbrook's with the post '52 and pre 1955 or 56, 9 tonnes stamp. It'll be fun to dig it out.