- Joined
- May 17, 2008
- Messages
- 16,975
- Likes
- 2,821
That got your attention...
So, before we start, I purchased this gun for $300 and the historical value had already been destroyed many, many years ago. Apparently, someone wanted Patton's pearl handles and nickel finished this gun and put fake ivory plastic handles on it.
Here is what it looked like when I bought it.
You will notice the chipping of the nickel finish and the general overall condition of the finish is poor at best. I shot the gun and it runs fine. Accurate as I would expect from the gun as well.
The serial number is a colt US Govt 276xxx which denotes a 1918 mfg and was a std issue to the Army. So it was originally parkerized in 1918. The inspector cartouche was J.M. Gilbert which is found on Colt 1911s from 1917 to 1918 SN 230,001 to 302,000. The Property of the US Government stamp was filled and polished over which is common with mid century refinishing of former US army 1911.
So, tonight I stripped it down.
In the shop I knew that nickel can be stripped. So I jumped at the chance to purchase this.
The four parts on the blue shop towel are the ones that will get refinished. I have not decided what type of finish yet. I am up for suggestions but the obvious options are some sort of parkerized finish, electroless nickel, or ceracote.
My only concern is featured in this last pic. You will note the top screw well in the frame has popped out. I will have to have this fixed before getting it refinished. I am hoping it is "fixable" given these are not welded like in modern 1911s but staked. The screw well is stripped but the threads in the frame are savable. My concern is where I will find a replacement screw well...
I will post more as it comes.
So, before we start, I purchased this gun for $300 and the historical value had already been destroyed many, many years ago. Apparently, someone wanted Patton's pearl handles and nickel finished this gun and put fake ivory plastic handles on it.
Here is what it looked like when I bought it.
You will notice the chipping of the nickel finish and the general overall condition of the finish is poor at best. I shot the gun and it runs fine. Accurate as I would expect from the gun as well.
The serial number is a colt US Govt 276xxx which denotes a 1918 mfg and was a std issue to the Army. So it was originally parkerized in 1918. The inspector cartouche was J.M. Gilbert which is found on Colt 1911s from 1917 to 1918 SN 230,001 to 302,000. The Property of the US Government stamp was filled and polished over which is common with mid century refinishing of former US army 1911.
So, tonight I stripped it down.
In the shop I knew that nickel can be stripped. So I jumped at the chance to purchase this.
The four parts on the blue shop towel are the ones that will get refinished. I have not decided what type of finish yet. I am up for suggestions but the obvious options are some sort of parkerized finish, electroless nickel, or ceracote.
My only concern is featured in this last pic. You will note the top screw well in the frame has popped out. I will have to have this fixed before getting it refinished. I am hoping it is "fixable" given these are not welded like in modern 1911s but staked. The screw well is stripped but the threads in the frame are savable. My concern is where I will find a replacement screw well...
I will post more as it comes.
Attachments
Last edited: