I've been looking for a ww2 era 1911 for a while. Today I stumbled across an Ithaca 1911 in the local gun store and I think i can pick it up for a pretty reasonable price.
I have a few questions that I hope some of you may be able to help me with. Looking online I can only find info for 6 digit serial numbers so this one has me slightly confused with the 5 digit number with a letter.1) Serial number right side frame1377x with a letter B stamped after the s/n2) Letters TAB11 stamped above serial number3) Inspector initials FJA stamped on left side frame along with proof mark4) Slide engraved Ithaca Gun Company (I believe) Ithaca, NY5) No US Property markings or government markings that I could find6) small lanyard loop on bottom rear of magazine well7) Finish appears blued with some wear. Were the Ithaca's blued orparkerized?Does it sound as is the frame and slide are a match?
Any info you can provide on the markings would be helpful. I would call the finish 85% or better with the major issue being 2 decent scratches on the side of the frame in the serial number area. The scratches do not affect the S/NBall park fair price?Thanks in advance. Of late, a lot of 1911 frames have been showing up with lightly stamped serial numbers. These are used (and possibly made) for turning out fake M1911/A1 pistols using GI or other legitimate slides.Many have had the serial numbers removed and seemingly legitimate numbers put on.
It is quite important not only to know the serial number ranges of any GI pistols, but also to recognize the appearance and font of the serial numbers and other markings, as well as the absence of markings (like the 'USP' that should be there.As to the quality of those frames, I have heard it is not high, which would be expected of frames intended to be used to make fraudulent collectors items.Jim. This email link is to reach site administrators for assistance, if you cannot access TFL via other means.
Colt Model Of 1911 Us Army Serial Numbers
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