Rare Colt M1911 barrel marking

[Scott Gahimer]

In March 1913, proof ammunition was first received at Colt and began being used to proof test barrels. Mr. Clawson states the first barrel test was for pistol s/n 24251. This pistol, s/n 24279, is one of the very first pistols to have a proof tested barrel.

These first proof tested barrel are marked in a unique fashion. The H is on top of the chamber and the new "P" proof mark is applied to the back side of the barrel hood extension. By about s/n 25000, the "P' was moved to the top of the chamber, thus introducing the horizontal P H barrel.

This pistol was carried, but appears to have not been used too much.

[KeithNyst]

Scott, thanks for sharing that info on how the P H mark came to be. That's a very another great pistol.