M1903 Colt pistol; Suncorite REME

[breakeyp]

The 1920s autos were ordered for undercover work in Ireland. They usually have a few numbers (two digits for year of issue) stamped on the frame behind the trigger. Apparently it stayed in the inventory thru WWII and was later refinished. A very nice piece with history.

[f15guy71]

Breakeyp, Thanks I think you summarized it nicely. Thanks to all- Great Comments- Regards- Jim.

[Peter Laidler]

I wonder how that can be substantiated Paul and most respectfully disagree - with a great deal of trepidation I hasten to say! I worked with 'an Intelligence Officer, a Major' several years ago who used to advise us on '.....certain matters' that I have spoken of in roundabout ways on the forum. The first thing he has said many, many times and would have said about this is that once you make an item special or make it a one-off or eliminate serial numbers or no serial number or mark in a certain way - you know the sort of thing - it is absolutely no longer suitable for undercover or covert work. Because, well....., everyone on the other side immediately KNOWS where it's from!

With UK Military proof and ownership marks the pistol is useless for covert or undercover work. It's British Army or at least British Government

[f15guy71]

Peter, I agree intel connection is difficult to establish. From Colt Hammerless Auto pistols by Brunner, page 98, the only thing we know is “Over 3000 were shipped there (England) in 1921, some or all of which were acquired by the British government, judging by the number that have turned up in recent years with military marking.” I think this is the most that can be said of mine. It has military markings and the serial number falls in the 1921 range.
I didn’t envision this thread would drift into a Covert usage discussion. That would be great if it could be proven.
I really only wondered when an early Colt would have received Suncorite treatment, since all I could determine is that REME directed Suncorite first appeared about 1944. I don’t think it is a large stretch to assume my gun remained in military inventory from 1921 thru WW2 when it was refinished with Suncorite. My thoughts. Again -Thanks for the great comments. Regards- Jim.

[browningautorifle]

The only thing I can add is that a General Officer could demand about any pistol he wanted for carry, higher gets even more. It wouldn't be any stretch at all to believe this was owned for a period of time by one of those...therefore allowing it to be procured, refurbed, marked and remain in inventory by the Govt' UK...

[Peter Laidler]

I hope that a much enlarged, framed picture of that previous avatar, the Pittsburg Steelers is hanging in the board room of their main office or foyer.

[Brian Dick]

The early pistols would require the full phosphate and Suncorite treatment as they were polish blued. The later Parkerized pistols like the one I had from the WWII era would only require degreasing and a coat of paint baked on if the phosphate finish was still good.

[f15guy71]

I hope that a much enlarged, framed picture of that previous avatar, the Pittsburg Steelers is hanging in the board room of their main office or foyer.

So do I. Regards- Jim.

[mrclark303]

Well spotted arrow Peter, it's got to be a rare piece, if only it could talk, I bet it would have a fascinating story to tell!

[breakeyp]

The 1920 vintage guns were ordered for concealed use in Ireland. .455 revolvers were easily identified when carried concealed. There should be some numbers on the frame between grip and the trigger. That is the date of issue.