Any help with a 600K Colt 1911

[jangle]

An older acquaintance of mine contacted me today about looking at his Colt 1911 in the 610000 serial number range. His wife's grandfather was an officer during/after WWI and acquired this pistol during this time. I have a few 1911's and A1's but am far from an authority on these pistols.

Aside from the obvious of condition and correct parts etc...are these late Colts any more or less desirable than an average earlier war model? I am supposed to view the pistol tomorrow. Any specifics on what to look for or helpful information will be most appreciated.

Thank you in advance!
James

[John C]

If you can, take several photos and post of the pistol in question. I'm sure after photos are posted everyone will have an opinion to give. Could be 100% original or could be 100% arsenal rebuild or anything in between. Lots of factors to consider when throwing out values, photos will help values hit closer to home.

[jangle]

I was able to look at this pistol today and have included 9 photos to look at. Condition speaks for itself. Bore is a sewer pipe. Grip panels are heart shaped under grips. All the parts appear to be original to this pistol. Any info that I can pass on to the owner will be helpful.

Many Thanks!

http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0364_zpsdbd0b70c.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0364_zpsdbd0b70c.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0363_zpsb55c6cbd.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0363_zpsb55c6cbd.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0362_zps9d978b99.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0362_zps9d978b99.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0361_zpsf7650363.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0361_zpsf7650363.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0360_zps4bcc4b4a.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0360_zps4bcc4b4a.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0359_zpsbb49846b.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0359_zpsbb49846b.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0358_zpsaba78daf.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0358_zpsaba78daf.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0357_zpsdad2b0d1.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0357_zpsdad2b0d1.jpg.html)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s643/jangles888/Colt%201911/DSCF0356_zps5779cb32.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/jangles888/media/Colt%201911/DSCF0356_zps5779cb32.jpg.html)

[Johnny P]

Actually a fairly nice example of a late production Model 1911. It appears that it has lost most of it's finish , called black finish by Clawson, by flaking of the finish rather than wear. The barrel appears to be the correct type and should be left with the pistol. The serial number and eagle/number acceptance mark show the "halo" effect of being stamped through the original finish.

It is very difficult to find the late production Model 1911 in really nice condition. The finish just wasn't very durable, and many of them went to Nicaragua with the Marines and came back in bad shape.

[jangle]

Thanks to the two gentlemen for your responses.
I know the owner is going to sell the pistol, so I will pass on to him the info that I assume the higher serial number does not add or detract from the price, compared to a more common 1918 dated pistol in like condition.

Regards,
James

[Scott Wilson]

According to the shipping information in Goddard's book, this pistol was shipped to Springfield Armory around the first half of February, 1919. Nice looking pistol.

[Scott Wilson]

I have also noticed that many of the late 1911 Colt pistols have short slides. That is to say that the rear of the slide leaves a lot of the frame rails showing.

[da gimp]

I have also noticed that many of the late 1911 Colt pistols have short slides. That is to say that the rear of the slide leaves a lot of the frame rails showing.

thanks scott, I'd never noticed that before...........

[Ken Hill]

thanks scott, I'd never noticed that before...........

I don't think it is the slide dimension but the omitted machining step that left a "hump" on the rear tang of the frame. Virtually every 1911 I've picked up with this "hump" is a "heart" cutout frame. Near all that I have inspected find the frame metal proud in this area.

FWIW this is a good honest gun that the old gent got after the great war and kept it well. I would not change a thing!

[stan4]

For educational purposes. The left grip looks (the cut and texture) like a mid/late 1917? through 1919 grip. And the right grip looks like an earlier (pre-mid/late 1917) grip.?

When was the transition between the right (pictured) grip and the left (pictured) grip?