Colt M1911A1 Commercial-Military Renumber, sn 862xxx
1943 Production
About 6,600 unsold commercial Government Models were transferred to
military contract in 1942. The GOVERNMENT MODEL lettering and commercial
serial number were crudely peened off then restamped with military
markings and serial numbers in the range 860003 to about 867000 (ref.
Clawson). The matching slide serial number was also peened and the
corresponding military sn was stamped over it. Otherwise the slide
retained its commercial markings.
After proof firing, P proof marks were stamped on both receiver and
slide, followed by application of parkerized finishing. Most if not all
of these pistols had Swartz safety cutouts. The COLT 45 AUTO barrels
were S-stamped under the chamber, representing commercial sale. A few of
the earliest pistols were W.B. inspected until about sn 861000, then G.H.D.
inspected thereafter.
Although these pistols are in reality refurbished and renumbered, they
symbolize Colt's dedication and resourcefulness in support of the War
effort during a time of shortage, and thus are highly prized and sought
by collectors.
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