Send us your own comments about this object.

Title:	PISTOL, SEMI-AUTOMATIC -  U.S. PISTOL MODEL 1911 .45 SN# 281964
Maker/Manufacturer:	BROWNING, JOHN M./SPAR
Date of Manufacture:	1918
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 1404
Measurements:	OL: 20.9CM 8 1/4" BL: 12.7CM 5"

Object Description:

U.S. PISTOL MODEL 1911 .45 SN# 281964
Manufactured by Colt, Hartford, Ct. in 1918 - Experimental. Springfield Armory developed barrel in order to fire blanks. Barrel has U-shaped lug fitted behind the slide stop pin allowing barrel to float free. Blued finish with checkered wood grips. Weapon originally shipped to SPAR in April, 1918. Weapon is complete with 7-round detachable box magazine. Colt manufactured 347,000 M1911s in 1918.

Markings:
Frame: NO. 281964. Left side: UNITED STATES PROPERTY/INSP. JMG in circle. JMG = J.M. Gilbert.
Slide: PATENTED APR.20 1897. SEPT. 9, 1902/DEC. 19, 1905. FEB. 14. 1911. AUG. 19. 1913. Rampant Colt. COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT. USA. Left side:

Weapon transferred to the Museum on 3 April 1933. At that time pistol was appraised at $25.00.

Notes: This is one of 5,500 pistols (SN# 278401-283900) shipped by Colt to Springfield Armory on April 29, 1918.

See, Clawson pg. 206-207.

References:
Clawson, Charles. W.
Harrison, J.C. U.S. PISTOL & REVOLVERS. The Arms Chest. Oklahoma City, Ok. 1994.