Odd 1911

[CptEnglehorn]

Gentlemen below is a link to a photo album. Im not to well versed in 1911s but came across this piece. Is it anything special or should it go to the scrap pile. It looks to have had a hard life, the barrel is almost a smoothbore.

[Johnny P]

A late Model 1911 receiver and slide with a mix of parts and a bogus serial number. Ithaca on slide is bogus also. Looks like it has been acid dipped to remove rust.

[CptEnglehorn]

sounds like this one is in line for a visit from the torch, I doubt it would even be safe to fire.

[SMOKEY]

Make a Purdy paper weight

[John C]

Looks aerodynamic..........not a corner or straight line left in the metal..........nothing but curves!

[Chris W.]

I'd hold off on the torch. Sure looks like it was stored under salt water for a period of time, almost as bad as one dug up from WW2. Another possibility, someone made their own frame. From the lack of markings, best bet is that it is homemade. It's legal, and if you want, as the maker, you can assign and stamp a SN of your own to identify it. ( that's a part of the law ) Hitch is it can't be sold. I guess 2 or 3 generations later it wouldn't matter, but this is definitely a possibility. My self made frame sports a Ithaca slide but my name and number on the frame, perfectly legal. No markings, or SN are also perfectly legal but not advised in case of theft. If I got that one for $50, I'd restore just enough to mount in a shadow box. Firing pin could be cut 1/4" short to make it non firing. It would be worth $50 to me, but no more, and I sure wouldn't fire it.
Chris

[Johnny P]

Better go back through the photos again. No mistaking it as a 1918 era Colt receiver, complete with provisional inspection mark of Frank Hosmer on the flat of the receiver. The altered serial number makes it illegal to possess.

[CptEnglehorn]

thank you for the info gentlemen, unfortunately this old war horse will be retired in pieces, along with the slide and barrel, to bad whoever the previous owner was rode it hard and put it away very wet.