1939 Colt 1911A1

[Doc]

Can anyone help me on which grips were being used on serial #716XXX?
Also a rough estimate of value would help as well.
The story is the pistol was a WWII bring back and has recently come out of the proverbial closet. As far as I can verify, all parts seem to be correct as far as the markings on them except the grips. They are stag horn and the story is that this guys whole squadron carried identical gripped 45"s.
The finish in my opinion looks to be between 90 and 95% blue (conservative estimate, it may be better) with the wear just right in all the right places. There is no pitting anywhere but the bore has a very slight frosting. Locking lugs on barrel and slide are virtually unworn. It is a truly righteous old piece. Any input on a Colt of this era would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Doc

Reply here on the forum or you may e-mail me at DOQUILLE@aol.com

[Scott Gahimer]

Walnut 28 row fully checkered stocks would be correct for 1939.

[guns3545]

Doc,

Just FYI, the entire production in 1939, some 3,636 pistols went to the USN. Your SN is in the last third of production.

Since your provenance source has mentioned a squadron, it would be reasonable to assume it was a Navy or Marine squadron. Could have been land based or carrier based.

Further interesting because most fighter pilots in WWII carried .38 spec Victory model revolvers because they were smaller and fit better into small cockpits.

John

[Doc]

Walnut 28 row fully checkered stocks would be correct for 1939.

Scott,
By 28 Row, do you mean lines per inch? Per width or lenghth of the stock? I'm feeling a little abashed having to ask but I really don't know where to start! All help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Doc

[Johnny P]

Count the rows of diamonds from the top of the bottom hole to the bottom of the top hole. Make sense?

http://i41.tinypic.com/2uypul2.jpg

[Doc]

Thanks Johnny, now it makes sense.
What could one expect to pay for a set of 28 row stocks and are they available to be found?
Doc

[John D.Kopke]

Doc';
I may have a correct pair , but must count the rows.
Might you wish to trade the Stag Grips ?
john , a sailor , (Bay of Pigs Yacht Club Member).

[Shooter5]

Doc';
I may have a correct pair , but must count the rows.
Might you wish to trade the Stag Grips ?
john , a sailor , (Bay of Pigs Yacht Club Member).
Neat sig line; recently went over early 1960s Cold War in class and Cuba featured prominently. Had to watch several programs including MacNamara's.

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-fog-of-war/

[Doc]

John,
The old fellow that now owns the 1911 wants to keep the stag grips because they are part of the story that came with the weapon. He thinks he's found original grips for it but the guy that has them does not know what to ask for them and they both want to be fair with each other. Some actual fair prices is what they need to know.
Thanks again for all help and your trade offer.
Doc

[Johnny P]

There are a lot of 40/42 row stocks out there, so be careful. For an original set of 38 row to match the condition of the pistol I would expect to see them in the $250 range.

[Doc]

Johnny,
Now I'm confused again, do you mean 38 row or 28 row?

[Scott Gahimer]

The stocks you need are the ones Johnny shows with 28 rows of checkering between the screw holes. The other stocks that are so common and produced by/for the military have 30-32 rows of checkering.

[Johnny P]

Johnny,
Now I'm confused again, do you mean 38 row or 28 row?

Thinking one thing and typing something else. Scott is correct.