I checked out the used hand gun shelf.  Saw a used 1911a1.  The tag said Colt, I figured it was 1991a1 that some one put an arched housing w/ lanyard loop on.  I asked to see it.  NOPE!  It was a USGI Colt 1911a1.  Condition was excellent, maybe a rebuild?  

Here are the details I wrote done.

Slide was marked Colt w/the usual patent dates etc.

Serial # was 905,xxx

GHD inspector marked

P marked by the mag release.

united states property     1911a1 u.s army     This was in small letters at the top of the frame just under the slide, it seemed a bit smaller than the Remington Rand that I had years ago.

The slide was a 2 tone color.  The front third was slightly darker than the rear 2  thirds.

I did not strip it so I'm not sure of the barrel markings, it appeared un marked.

Any thoughts on this?  I do plan to put it on layaway.

Thanks !

Quoted: I checked out the used hand gun shelf.  Saw a used 1911a1.  The tag said Colt, I figured it was 1991a1 that some one put an arched housing w/ lanyard loop on.  I asked to see it.  NOPE!  It was a USGI Colt 1911a1.  Condition was excellent, maybe a rebuild?   Here are the details I wrote done. Slide was marked Colt w/the usual patent dates etc. Serial # was 905,xxx GHD inspector marked P marked by the mag release. united states property     1911a1 u.s army     This was in small letters at the top of the frame just under the slide, it seemed a bit smaller than the Remington Rand that I had years ago. The slide was a 2 tone color.  The front third was slightly darker than the rear 2  thirds. I did not strip it so I'm not sure of the barrel markings, it appeared un marked. Any thoughts on this?  I do plan to put it on layaway. Thanks !

Colt: S/N 857,000 to 1,609,529 = 1943 (S/N's 856,405 to 916,404 were
      duplicated by Ithaca look for "F.J.A." Ithaca inspection initials. S/N's 1,041,405 to
      1,096,404 were duplicated by Union Switch & Signal. Look for "RCD" US&S
      inspection initials.)

From: The Site M1911A1

Difference in darkness of slide is supposed to happen because of difference in hardness of the metal. Parkerizing will look different due to difference in hardness.

Thanks for the reply, that is a good site.  It looks like the gun is all Colt, it might be original finish also.

Quoted: GHD inspector marked

GHD was LTC Guy H Drewry, Ordnance (I believe he eventually made general officer).  He got around and also had his inspection stamp on M1s produced by Winchester.

Cheers,

kk7sm