A relatively early 1st year Colt M1911A1

[Scott Gahimer]

Here is a pretty nice example of an original 1924 Colt M1911A1, often referred to by collectors as a Transition(al). There were 10K procured, all in 1924, in a serial range of 700001-710000. This pistol has the first style WTG monogram as a final inspection that is located high, under the slide stop. Only the very earliest pistols, about the first 100+/-, had the same marking that was placed down by the magazine release button...in the same place M1911 final inspections were struck.

http://i40.tinypic.com/3499qo0.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2zyizqo.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/jqkz6t.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/2evc2t5.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/23w0bh2.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/14l7fx4.jpg

[George in NH]

Sir,
Is there a known s/n pistol that starts the "A1" suffix on the slide? Or would just month or year be known? Great pics as usual and wonderful close up! Many thanks, George in NH

[Scott Gahimer]

The only pistols that used a slide with the M1911A1 marking were a couple small serial ranges of Ithaca.

The M1911Al model marking was applied to the Colt receivers beginning in 1938, beginning at 712350.

[Johnny P]

The 1911A1 replacement slides were stamped M 1911A1 U.S. ARMY from 1938 until after mid year 1943.