An "Improved Model Of 1911, U.S ARMY" Circa 1924

[John HOLBROOK]

http://www.fototime.com/%7B9B6DC0EB-6572-423E-AAFA-244A9F63C795%7D/origpict/Trans%2520Rt%2520full.JPG

http://www.fototime.com/%7BE0D075F0-C117-47D3-B72A-F3C3D0C5E9BC%7D/origpict/Trans%2520Left%2520full.JPG]

[Johnny P]

Percentage wise I believe I have seen more of the 1924 Colts in really nice condition than any other year.

http://i57.tinypic.com/30tjd6e.jpg

[joem]

Where do you find these. All I come across is mixmasters or real junk.

[John HOLBROOK]

Where do you find these. All I come across is mixmasters or real junk.

Well I have a theory about that. There were only 10,000 of the 1924s made and no other shipments of new pistols to the government until 1937, if I remember correctly... Springfield Armory had tons of 1911 parts that they recovered after 1919 and they assembled complete pistols for years from these parts.. The 1924s were absolutely gorgeous (And still are), and since at the time military officers and others government officials could buy them, most were sold this way. Over the years I have owned several that were like new and appeared to have never entered military service..

Just my opinion..

[Major Tom]

DROOL, I just hafta visit you to see your collection. Unfortunately, I am in Iowa. 8-(

[John HOLBROOK]

They are true mechanical works of art.........

This Colt Super .38 belonged to a Texas Ranger friend of my fathers, who was a Texas County Sheriff during WW II. The Government Model was my dads..

http://www.fototime.com/%7BA85D1FA4-6F6F-41BF-AF8B-4570D04989F0%7D/origpict/Super%2520with%2520Photo%5B1%5D.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/%7B56704008-DD8C-4C06-851D-5F2B752715EC%7D/origpict/DSC00024.JPG

[da gimp]

Waugh to all the fine 1911's above.............. Any one of them would be the star of most people's collection.................Congrats guys.

[Andouille]

Very nice to see you back Mr. Holbrook. I always get a thrill out of seeing your Father's old Colt and the Ranger 38 Super as well.

[Scott Gahimer]

Percentage wise I believe I have seen more of the 1924 Colts in really nice condition than any other year.

http://i57.tinypic.com/30tjd6e.jpg

Yes, a lot of nice 1924s out there.
http://i62.tinypic.com/oici1g.jpg

[John HOLBROOK]

Here is a Trans I bought in Texas about 20 years ago.. It is a beauty, right??? One small problem, it has been refinished... Look closely at the WTG SA acceptance stamp.... The finger cut has been re polished and removed part of the circle.. See it??

I found out later that the famous SoCal used car dealer dude had done it and sold it to the father of the young man I bought it from as "Original"... The father was a heart surgeon that had just started collecting when he suddenly died...

Education can be expensive!!!!

http://www.fototime.com/%7B02A1030D-880F-46C7-8AEC-95826A227BD2%7D/origpict/Trans%25207086367%2520Pair.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/%7B34585889-B9A3-4A74-845D-184CA1E026FC%7D/origpict/Trans%25205A.jpg

[pdc]

Percentage wise I believe I have seen more of the 1924 Colts in really nice condition than any other year.

http://i57.tinypic.com/30tjd6e.jpg

These are all so beautiful. Wish I had one. I think I see a reflection in the actual hammer pin the finish is so nicely done. Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

[Johnny P]

A lot of refinished pistols are put off on neophyte collectors who takes someone's word that it is righteous, and they all don't come from Southern California. Bill Adair told of putting serial numbers on pistols that had no serial number, and now Turnbull is applying new roll markings.

Best to have the knowledge to recognize what is right and what is not, or have someone helping you that does.

[The Wolf]

Once again, beautiful pieces! Thanks especially for that lesson concerning the refinished transitional model you bought 20 years ago, Mr. Holbrook. I'll make sure to take my 2x glasses with me when I go to the gun show versus my 1.5's to look for those kind of details!

Best Regards from Virginia,

Chris

[The Wolf]

I agree 100%, Johnny P... you've got to be really careful out there. Knowledge is power!

Best Regards from Virginia,

Chris