Posted: 12/22/2007 6:18:15 PM EDT
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Hello, I would like to know if anyone in the group has done the Colt Archive Service. A couple of years ago I received a Colt 1911 Government that belonged to my Great Grandfather. I would like to get all the information on it that I can. All I know about the 1911 so far is, it was manufactured between 1913-1915. I have been told that it is in beautiful condition for the age of the pistol. Any info would be great. Thank you Jeff Merry Christmas everyone |
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A Colt Historical Letter will include everything Colt knows about the gun. Details will include the caliber, barrel length, finish, any custom or non-standard options, when it was shipped, and who it was shipped to. Some people are disappointed at what they get, since again, this is only what COLT knows about the gun. Some people expect a long document detailing every screw or pin, and others are disappointed that the "shipped to" info is a government arsenal or a hardware store no one ever heard of. Others have guns that have been altered, and are disappointed to find they aren't factory custom items. The letter is on a document-grade paper that can be framed. Price is as listed on the Colt web site, and turn around can be SLOW. However, it is a great addition to an heirloom gun. Before spending money for a letter, make SURE the gun is in fact a Colt if it's a military issue gun. Remember that a lot of GI 1911's were overhauled and will have Colt slides on another make of frame. If it is a GI, you can ID the maker of the frame by the inspector's stamp just below the magazine catch. |
Thank you for the info dfariswheel. The 1911 I have has a C before the Serial Numbers on it so I know it's not G.I. There are no markings below the magazine catch. There is a mark on the bottom of the trigger guard. I have been to Colt's website and looked at all of the info there, I just wanted to see if anyone had this done and was happy with what they got back. Here is a couple pics of my heirloom.  
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Nice commercial model. Worth some BIGGGGG money. The marks on the trigger guard are: The left front of he trigger guard is a tiny "VP" in a triangle. This is Colt's "Verified Proof" signifying that it was proof tested and passed. On the rear of the guard will be an inspector's stamp, usually a letter. Again, whether you'll be satisfied with a Colt Historical Letter depends on what you're expecting. If you're expecting to get a long document with fine details about individual parts and obscure information, you may be disappointed. What you'll get will look very much like the sample letters shown on Colt's web site. coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp Again, this will be a high-grade, frame-able letter listing the gun by serial number, and listing how it was set up when it left the factory. Included will be the model, finish, and custom features, when it was shipped and WHO it was shipped to. You just have to decide if that information is worth the price and the wait time for delivery. Colt also sells model historical information. This would include a Colt history of that TYPE and MODEL of gun. In other words, these letters are a brief history of the Colt Model 1911. It would NOT include info on your specific gun. |
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Thank you dfariswheel I might just have to bite the bullet and do it for the future people in my family who will be getting the pistol and what I get is what I get. The letter's are beautifully done. That is my only concern with spending the money, but like I said I might just have to bite the bullet. It is by far the best shooting .45 I have ever fired. Plus I still have the orginal 2 magazines, but I don't use those. I have other ones that came with it. One of the reasons why I want to get this done is to find out if my Great Grandfather was the orginal owner of it. If he was, it would just make the letter mean that much more to my family. Thank you again dfariswheel for your replys Jeff |