Greetings,
Stopped by a LGS today and he had just taken in a very interesting Colt. From the S/N, 2289XXX, it was made in 1945. It had the 'United States Property' and 'M1911A1 US ARMY' on the right side of the frame, so it could possible have been in combat at the very tail end of WWII. It certainly was in well worn state cosmetically, lots of scratching to the blued finish (and it was probably refinished) and missing the grips as well as the grip screw bushings. However, slide-to-frame fit was actually not too bad and it cycled smoothly. Controls appeared to function property.
What was more interesting were the other numbers/markings, particular gun, notably the 'NOTENGLISHMAKE' and 'RELEASED BRITISH GOVT. 1952' stamped on right side of the frame below the other markings. The barrel also had 'NOTENGLISHMAKE' stamped on the hood, and there were several other two-letter markings like 'BV' in circles which I would think might be other proof or some sort of armorers markings. Left side of the frame had 'P' below the mag release as well as 'GHD' vertically behind the trigger.
One of the 'Send a Gun to Defend a British Home' firearms? Not sure, might delve into further as time allows. But I don't think many of those guns made it back home, so it might be quite rare. But it would seem strange/unlikely if it were manufactured in 1945 and sent to the US Govt/Army. Perhaps a training gun sent over there or otherwise lent to the UK for some reason? Interesting to say the least.
Any of you historical Colt 1911 experts able to fill in some blanks?
Boss
Stopped by a LGS today and he had just taken in a very interesting Colt. From the S/N, 2289XXX, it was made in 1945. It had the 'United States Property' and 'M1911A1 US ARMY' on the right side of the frame, so it could possible have been in combat at the very tail end of WWII. It certainly was in well worn state cosmetically, lots of scratching to the blued finish (and it was probably refinished) and missing the grips as well as the grip screw bushings. However, slide-to-frame fit was actually not too bad and it cycled smoothly. Controls appeared to function property.
What was more interesting were the other numbers/markings, particular gun, notably the 'NOTENGLISHMAKE' and 'RELEASED BRITISH GOVT. 1952' stamped on right side of the frame below the other markings. The barrel also had 'NOTENGLISHMAKE' stamped on the hood, and there were several other two-letter markings like 'BV' in circles which I would think might be other proof or some sort of armorers markings. Left side of the frame had 'P' below the mag release as well as 'GHD' vertically behind the trigger.
One of the 'Send a Gun to Defend a British Home' firearms? Not sure, might delve into further as time allows. But I don't think many of those guns made it back home, so it might be quite rare. But it would seem strange/unlikely if it were manufactured in 1945 and sent to the US Govt/Army. Perhaps a training gun sent over there or otherwise lent to the UK for some reason? Interesting to say the least.
Any of you historical Colt 1911 experts able to fill in some blanks?
Boss