Odd Mainspring Housing

[Bill Ricca]

Here is one for the experts. As some of you know, I have been uncovering ordnance contracts from WWII though the 1960's. I always put aside odd ball items to investigate.

This Mainspring Housing came in with approximately 300 other US GI 1911's and 1911A1's in 1991. The housings were released at Pueblo Army Depot sometime before 1969.

I lightened the images to provide better details. Both housings are darker than shown.

The first thing that stands out is the longer loop. That could just be a production error, so not a big deal.



Comparing the right side, where the loop retaining pin is inserted, nothing changes.




However, on the left side the pin hole is absent. That means the pin was inserted in the right and stopped against the inside wall. Much more difficult to machine.



The housing is not cast. In the past I had a chance to purchase housings from a 1983 contract, but this is not one of them. In that contract the ribs are flattened. BTW this housing has 8 ribs, like the Remington.

I am guessing it is a very small spare parts contract from WWII, (which was possibly rejected in part), thus not many exist.

Any idea?

Information

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[Jim K]

That looks like maybe a manufacturing goof where the cross hole was drilled only part way through, but they put the loop in any way. Then they realized the mistake and tried to remove the loop, which was caught only on one side, so it was bent and twisted during the attempt to remove it. I wonder if a small cross hole could be drilled from the left to allow the pin to be driven out, then drilled full size from the right. That could salvage the MSH or maybe it is more fun the way it is, as something different. (Special loop made for General Patton so he could use a boot lace to tie the gun on! Only $75!)

Jim

[Bill Ricca]

You are correct, it was from General Patton. I know because he never put his name on his equipment and this one is unmarked.

I like your sense of humor.