1911 Springfield Markings ID Help

Oldreb · 12-31-2015, 11:41 PM

I am inspecting a 1915 Model 1911 Springfield for purchase and need some help with a couple of marks. The first is an "X" that is stamped on the frame and is located just above the safety. It is visible through the receiver safety engage cutout. I think it is an Assembly Inspector's Stamp but have never seen this type before nor can I find a picture of a Springfield showing one of this type and in this location.

The second mark is a "J" that is stamped on the underside of the firing pin housing in the receiver. I think it could be a Proof Mark or Sub Inspector Mark -- again not sure.

The pistol is checking out really well as far as correct Springfield "S" marks on the small parts and barrel but I want to know more about these two unknown marks before I make a final decision.

I appreciate your time and interest -- Thanks !!

Wayne Smith
Mullins, SC.

Sergio Natali · 01-01-2016, 05:01 AM

Wayne

I see you're interested on 1911 too, they are my "first love", actually my love affair with the 1911 started more than 35 years ago...

Anyway I'll post a picture of another 1911 SPRINGFIELD with one of those marks, I would advise you to click on the link below and join one of the best 1911 Forums.

Kind regards.

https://forums.1911forum.com/

Oldreb · 01-01-2016, 07:57 AM

Good Morning Sergio -- Happy New Year !! Thanks for your reply !! 1911's have always been a favorite of mine as well. When I was much younger (16) I had a really nice Colt in a leather bound case, matching .45 & .22 top ends, two sets of grips - ivory and walnut - a real beauty !! I got in a cash flow problem when I was married one time (age 28) and had to sell it to make ends meet -- always regretted having to do that but family was always first. Anyway, I am now looking to own another at the ripe ole age of 61 !! I like the Springfield's because of the lower production numbers but finding a correct one, properly marked is a challenge which is why I was concerned about the "X" and "J" !! Very early this morning I did find pictures of one with the exact same markings and now with the picture you have provided I am feeling right confident the marks are ok -- thanks for your help and the link !! Is the picture one of your Springfield's ?? A very nice one !!

Best Regards,
Wayne

Sergio Natali · 01-01-2016, 09:58 AM

Wayne

get in touch with https://forums.1911forum.com/ I'm sure you'll love it and you'll find plenty of useful info.

Regards

Oldreb · 01-01-2016, 08:23 PM

Thanks Sergio -- will do !!

Wayne

12-31-2015, 11:41 PM	#1
Oldreb User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: South Carolina Posts: 83 Thanks: 160 Thanked 25 Times in 10 Posts	1911 Springfield Markings ID Help I am inspecting a 1915 Model 1911 Springfield for purchase and need some help with a couple of marks. The first is an "X" that is stamped on the frame and is located just above the safety. It is visible through the receiver safety engage cutout. I think it is an Assembly Inspector's Stamp but have never seen this type before nor can I find a picture of a Springfield showing one of this type and in this location. The second mark is a "J" that is stamped on the underside of the firing pin housing in the receiver. I think it could be a Proof Mark or Sub Inspector Mark -- again not sure. The pistol is checking out really well as far as correct Springfield "S" marks on the small parts and barrel but I want to know more about these two unknown marks before I make a final decision. I appreciate your time and interest -- Thanks !! Wayne Smith Mullins, SC. Attached Thumbnails

01-01-2016, 05:01 AM	#2
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Wayne I see you're interested on 1911 too, they are my "first love", actually my love affair with the 1911 started more than 35 years ago... Anyway I'll post a picture of another 1911 SPRINGFIELD with one of those marks, I would advise you to click on the link below and join one of the best 1911 Forums. Kind regards. https://forums.1911forum.com/ Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

01-01-2016, 09:58 AM	#4
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Wayne get in touch with https://forums.1911forum.com/ I'm sure you'll love it and you'll find plenty of useful info. Regards __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

01-01-2016, 07:57 AM	#3
Oldreb User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: South Carolina Posts: 83 Thanks: 160 Thanked 25 Times in 10 Posts	Good Morning Sergio -- Happy New Year !! Thanks for your reply !! 1911's have always been a favorite of mine as well. When I was much younger (16) I had a really nice Colt in a leather bound case, matching .45 & .22 top ends, two sets of grips - ivory and walnut - a real beauty !! I got in a cash flow problem when I was married one time (age 28) and had to sell it to make ends meet -- always regretted having to do that but family was always first. Anyway, I am now looking to own another at the ripe ole age of 61 !! I like the Springfield's because of the lower production numbers but finding a correct one, properly marked is a challenge which is why I was concerned about the "X" and "J" !! Very early this morning I did find pictures of one with the exact same markings and now with the picture you have provided I am feeling right confident the marks are ok -- thanks for your help and the link !! Is the picture one of your Springfield's ?? A very nice one !! Best Regards, Wayne

01-01-2016, 08:23 PM	#5
Oldreb User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: South Carolina Posts: 83 Thanks: 160 Thanked 25 Times in 10 Posts	Thanks Sergio -- will do !! Wayne