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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?
1911A1 in .38 Super - Wartime Production ?
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?
"Friends come and go, but enemies accumulate" ~ Arthur Bloch
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.
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.
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 ...Originally Posted by Rob Greer
Would a Colt letter be likely to reveal the facts and origin about this weapon?
Unfortunately there are also the fakes. A letter from Colt should authenticate what you have. Grips should be the large ring reinforced Coltwood.
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.
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.
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).
Rob
That MSH looks parkerized ..... Y/N?
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