mid-1912 mfg. Colt M1911 No.4415

[Scott Gahimer]

Colt M1911 No.4415

Original and unaltered. Shipped from Colt’s to Commanding Officer, San Antonio Arsenal on June 22, 1912, as one of 500 pistols in Colt’s 14th shipment of M1911 pistols (s/n 4001-4500).
Beginning at serial number 2401, the finish changed from the brilliant oil finish with fire blued small parts to a new duller “fine finish”, which continued to be used until 1917. The small parts of these first fine finish pistols still have a hint of the fire blued appearance many collectors call “smoky blue”.
The M1911 pistols at this serial range were going through a transitional stage, resulting in a very interesting sub-variation. There were only about 1310 pistols built and shipped with the same appearance and features. The M1911 continued to evolve, and by about serial number 7501 most of the early changes had been made.

Distinct Features of Colt M1911 No.4415, Found from s/n 3190-4500

• Early Fine Finish with smoky blued small parts
• First type “No.” serial number prefix and early serif style serial number (s/n 1-4500)
• First position of serial number right side forward of the slide stop pin (s/n 1-7500)
• 2nd type dimpled magazine catch lock factory modified with slot (s/n 3190-6000+/-)
• First type recoil spring closed both ends w/ un-punched plug (s/n 1-6500 +/-)
• First type exposed base magazine (s/n 1-4500)
• First type non-dimpled mainspring housing pin (s/n 1-6500+/-)
• First type dark barrel with coarse polish, with serif H on the back of the hood extension (ca. s/n 400-6500)

The combination of condition, finish, markings and features of the small parts makes Colt M1911 No.4415 one of the more interesting and rarely seen pistols in our collection. Few original pistols with the rare transitional 2nd type magazine catch lock still exist today.
left side

right side

top view

butt end

back strap

2nd type magazine catch lock

front strap

early barrel through ejection port

exposed base magazine close-up

right side markings

Information

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[dbarn]

Very nice Scott, keep them coming.

[Scott Gahimer]

rampant colt

rounded rear sight

exposed base magazine

magazine follower

back strap left side view

left side in hand

[Mike Josephic]

What a beauty -- I'm looking at the pics and drooling.
A great find and thanks for posting the pics!!

Mike

[Jack Leslie]

I have a pistol in that serial number range, but it was converted into a M1911A1 and has seen hard use. I have thought about trying to replace the A1 parts with originals, but too many other calls on my wallet right now.

Thanks for showing me what it should look like.

Alll the best,
Jack