Colt Model 1911 Question on Serial Numbers

[AlFarkle]

Frame has serial number 59XXX. Manufactured at "Colts Point F.A. Mfg Co. Hartford, CT".

So far, unable to locate serial number on slide and barrel. Is this the norm for back in the day, that only the frame had a serial number? Thanks in advance.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a Colt 1908 from 1917, a Colt 1903 from 1921, and a Colt 1911 from the mid-fifties and none have matched numbers on any of the parts of the gun.

I've never heard that Colt ever put matched numbers on components of their semi-auto pistols.

 

[entropy]

I've never seen that on any Colt auto pistol.

 

[AlFarkle]

Thanks

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

The only time that I've seen a serial number on a Colt slide is when it has been electro-pencilled on the underside post-manufacture by an armorer.

As far as barrels - the only time I've seen them numbered is on the odd match gun where the barrel and bushing are numbered by hand. Also, very rare and non-factory.

Even my Kimber Det-1s with matching slide numbers are hand engraved on.

Todd.

 

[CapnMac]

Is this the norm for back in the day, that only the frame had a serial number?

Having numerous serial numbers is an artifact of hand-fitting versus mass production methods.

The latter means being able to make parts that fit, and do not need filing, fitting, or other changing of their dimensions to properly fit one, specific, firearm.

That is why "matched numbers" are a value-added feature. Having parts that are not specific to a given arm may mean it does not perform to the standard of a fitted one.

This is hugely important in military context, where firearms are routinely taken to bits and washed collectively in tubs.

Most American gun makers embraced the notion of fully-interchangeable parts. Which did not need serialization at all. Colt would be a good example of this.

One of the great unsung victories of WWII was how, through standardization, hundred, perhaps thousands of small shops were able to subcontract parts for all the myriad arms of the US (and several other nations, come to cases) to where they were identical.

 

[dogtown tom]

Manufactured at "Colts Point F.A. Mfg Co. Hartford, CT".

.

Not "point" for sure. The "Pt" in the rollmark is an abbreviation for "patent" as in Colts Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company.

 

[WVsig]

Having numerous serial numbers is an artifact of hand-fitting versus mass production methods.

The latter means being able to make parts that fit, and do not need filing, fitting, or other changing of their dimensions to properly fit one, specific, firearm.

That is why "matched numbers" are a value-added feature. Having parts that are not specific to a given arm may mean it does not perform to the standard of a fitted one.

This is hugely important in military context, where firearms are routinely taken to bits and washed collectively in tubs.

Most American gun makers embraced the notion of fully-interchangeable parts. Which did not need serialization at all. Colt would be a good example of this.

One of the great unsung victories of WWII was how, through standardization, hundred, perhaps thousands of small shops were able to subcontract parts for all the myriad arms of the US (and several other nations, come to cases) to where they were identical.

This is not exactly true. Sometimes it is a matter of regulations. Many European countries require triple serial numbers and proof marks. For example the Browning High Power and the original Sig P series guns. Serial numbers on the frame slide and barrel were standard and they were all mass production guns.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I've seen that on many euro pistols where the last 4 numbers of the sn were on many parts. Colt has never done this but that could change under cz ownership.