1911A1 in .38 Super - Wartime Production ?

[shooterm1]

what's the story on Colt's wartime production of 1911A1 pistols in .38 Super?

Apparently there were some produced ... right?

were these just civilian sales Government models?

[Duane Hansen]

If you scroll down a ways you can find a thread started by Prewar that deals with this exact subject. It seems that there were approximately 400 Military 1911A1 pistols in 38 super. He shows his excellent example.

[Johnny P]

There seems to be no explanation as to why the pistols were ordered, especially since the end of WWII was in sight. Also, it appears that most remained in government storage.

[Rob Greer]

In addition to the 400 mentioned in the other thread, there were 10 other Super .38 pistols shipped during WWII to civilians or Government Agencies. 3 were listed as 'shopworn' and 2 of those three were Adjustable Sight Super Matches. This information is from Sheldon's book. I have one of those 10 pistols, but my pistol is a real mystery at the same time. I will start a new thread with pictures shortly to explain.

[shooterm1]

In addition to the 400 mentioned in the other thread, there were 10 other Super .38 pistols shipped during WWII to civilians or Government Agencies. 3 were listed as 'shopworn' and 2 of those three were Adjustable Sight Super Matches. This information is from Sheldon's book. I have one of those 10 pistols, but my pistol is a real mystery at the same time. I will start a new thread with pictures shortly to explain.

I may have found one just outside the known serial number range for these WW2 .38 Supers ... it has many of the correct hallmarks, like the 1911A1 MSH (sans loop), Coltrock grips, flatside hammer, etc ...

Would a Colt letter be likely to reveal the facts and origin about this weapon?

[Johnny P]

Unfortunately there are also the fakes. A letter from Colt should authenticate what you have. Grips should be the large ring reinforced Coltwood.

[shooterm1]

for what its worth, this example isn't being represented as anything more than an early postwar .38 Super.
In fact I had assumed that it was just a .38 Super with the wrong grips added, until I studied it a little more yesterday and came home to do some research.
It is not GHD or ord wheel marked either .... but I'm curious enough to perhaps put it on lay away now and send off for a letter.

[Johnny P]

The first commercial production of the Super .38 following WWII used left over pre-WWII parts as well as GI parts like the grips, hammer, etc.

[Teddydog]

I have an early post-War Super 38 and it has many GI parts. SN is 60,xxx. I don't have any GOOD pictures of it, but here's one along with the Lightweight Commander .38 Super (that I don't have any more).

http://www.teddydog.org/colt/IM001492.JPG

Rob

[shooterm1]

That MSH looks parkerized ..... Y/N?

[Rob Greer]

.... but I'm curious enough to perhaps put it on lay away now and send off for a letter.

I would save the money. With no GHD or ordinance wheel markings, it was not one of the 400 pistols shipped to the OSS.

[Johnny P]

Depending on the serial number, it could be one of the pre/post WWII commercials, and be a nice find.

[Teddydog]

shooterm1--I don't remember the MSH being parkerized instead of blued, but it does look that way in the pic. The pistol was well used (but not abused) when I got it and the finish on the front and rear of the grip frame is pretty worn. This pistol is in the bottom of the safe, so I don't have it handy to look at, though. But no, I don't THINK it is parkerized.

Rob

[prewar]

Yes as far as the fakes go it`s a shame ,because the few I looked at were NOT refinished they were prewar/postwar gun`s that had the GHD &ORD wheel added . and were nice gun`s that is before they added the fake marking`s . They also used a later ribbed mainspring hos without the loop ,but you could tell that they buffed the matt finish off it and cold blued it . The few fakes I looked at looked like they were done by the same person as I had 2 of them together at the same time to compare ,one was sold at RI auction house last year as well as a real one but the real one was refinished.One of the other fakes I looked at sold at Tulsa last year .They also put the Swartz safety in them as the real one`s have the Swartz safety in them.On one of the other chatsite`s 2 guy`s from Turkey posted pic`s of there`s and they looked real to me .I sent a private message to one of them and ask if he knew of anymore over there and he said yes he knew of 5 but 3 of them lost there value due to poor gunsmithing as he put it .

[prewar]

Rob did you get your letter from Colt ?And if so where was it shipped .Rem or VA . Thank`s Troy