Original Pre WWII 1911A1 Blue Finish

[dbarn]

Going to have the opportunity to look at some commercial blue pre WWII Colt pistols. While I'm aware that Colt used an oven blue finish that is difficult to duplicate, would like to know other or additional telltale signs that may indicate a refinish or restoration, specifically on blue pistols. Some of the restorations are quite good these days.

Have heard different things from different collectors over the years. For example, and in particular, grip bushing stake marks should be in the white. Plunger tube stake marks should be in the white. Colt polished the feed ramp after the finish was applied and should show white metal with traces of blue. There should be browning or traces of rust in the original finish. Edges and markings should be sharp. These are some of the things I've heard through the years. Perhaps there are others?

Also during the pre-war years were there certain traits that applied to earlier produced pistols vs. later ones or should these telltale signs apply to all? Thanks.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Johnny Peppers]

You mentioned both the 1911A1 and commercial (Government Model), and both were finished the same way. The 1911A1 exhibited more of a satin finish due to the lack of polishing after the final sanding. The 1911A1 had more of a satin finish. The restorers have the blueing technique down pat, but most can't get the metal finish correct. This past weekend I looked at a table of extremely nice Colt militaries and Government Models. Just by scanning the pistols laying on the table I could spot the refinished pistols as they just stood out from the original finish pistols.
Your best bet is to take one of the small high intensity flashlights with you. Even a 99% original finish Colt will show ageing in the finish under the bright light. If you don't find some brown under the finish, be very suspicious. Some of the Luger dealers even took a refinish down a couple of points in order to show some wear, so wear on the high points is not always an indicator of originality.
The pistol pictured is a 99% original finish 1939 Navy, but under bright light it shows some ageing under the blue.

[dbarn]

Thanks Johnny, ablsolute beautiful pistol and excellent advice. Can bushing and plunger tube staking be reliably used in addition, to aslo determine original finish?

[Johnny Peppers]

Those are details the faker can duplicate if he wants to take the time and trouble, so I would not consider them reliable indicators of an original finish pistol. To the best of my knowledge they still can't add ageing under the finish.
While this one still has a strong bright finish, the grip areas show some ageing. Normally that will be the first place to age.

[dbarn]

Thanks again Johnny, exactly the information I'm looking for. Best regards,

David