a couple old war horses

trigger643 · 12-29-2004, 11:51 PM

What can I do? John H. has the 1911 and HP market cornered. Tom A. has gone into leathers... Guess I'll find my niche in the "used but not abused catagory", just a notch or two below their disearning eyes...

The 1911 was built in 1913, reported in Springfield research service 6/3/1915 "Sig Corps DEF", is about 80% and appears all original.

The 1917 has no such luck for documentation. This gun is about 98% arsenal reblue. You can see a nick above the trigger on the frame. This is a clear 30-40 degree cut with the metal folded back, almost surgical in it's cleanliness. The cut penetrates a little less than 1/16 of an inch. "B.A.K." in circle on the butt reports this to "maybe" be a Benicia Arsenal, unknown inspector, "R.A.C." on one grip is parts replacement from 1909 model. The refinish, replacement of the grips and cylinder appear to be the only work done at the arsenal. "JMG" inspector stamp does not fall into this serial number range, but does fall into the appropriate age range for repair (this is stamped over another stamp which is illegible as a result -- did it run through Colt in 1918 during it's repair?). If you put the blade of a ruler into the cut, it can intersect the cylinder quite easily... I can't imagine anyone going to this expense to fake such an inexpensive pistol... I would love to know the answers to all the questions this one brings up.

Edward Tinker · 12-29-2004, 11:55 PM

Looks good to me!

Ed

pipeman45 · 12-30-2004, 01:40 PM

I'll second that. They would look good in my safe!

12-29-2004, 11:51 PM	#1
trigger643 User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Murfreesboro Posts: 502 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	a couple old war horses What can I do? John H. has the 1911 and HP market cornered. Tom A. has gone into leathers... Guess I'll find my niche in the "used but not abused catagory", just a notch or two below their disearning eyes... The 1911 was built in 1913, reported in Springfield research service 6/3/1915 "Sig Corps DEF", is about 80% and appears all original. The 1917 has no such luck for documentation. This gun is about 98% arsenal reblue. You can see a nick above the trigger on the frame. This is a clear 30-40 degree cut with the metal folded back, almost surgical in it's cleanliness. The cut penetrates a little less than 1/16 of an inch. "B.A.K." in circle on the butt reports this to "maybe" be a Benicia Arsenal, unknown inspector, "R.A.C." on one grip is parts replacement from 1909 model. The refinish, replacement of the grips and cylinder appear to be the only work done at the arsenal. "JMG" inspector stamp does not fall into this serial number range, but does fall into the appropriate age range for repair (this is stamped over another stamp which is illegible as a result -- did it run through Colt in 1918 during it's repair?). If you put the blade of a ruler into the cut, it can intersect the cylinder quite easily... I can't imagine anyone going to this expense to fake such an inexpensive pistol... I would love to know the answers to all the questions this one brings up. __________________ "There are three reasons to own a gun: To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face." Ã¢?? Krusty the Clown

12-29-2004, 11:55 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,916 Thanks: 1,992 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	Looks good to me! Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

12-30-2004, 01:40 PM	#3
pipeman45 User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 539 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'll second that. They would look good in my safe! __________________ Dave