Colt was the original U.S. military M1911 manufacturer and a major producer of the M1911A1. Use this page to check Colt production ranges, identify major Colt periods, review inspection marks, and jump to documented Colt examples in the database.
Evaluate early slide legends, United States Property marking, blue finish, early parts, and period inspector marks.
Scarce 700000-range pistols bridging the original M1911 and the later M1911A1 configuration.
Review G.H.D. or J.S.B. inspection context, Colt slide roll marks, P proofs, ordnance mark, barrel, grips, and finish.
Arsenal rebuilds and service replacements are legitimate military history but should not be described as factory-original.
These records are database comparison examples. They are research aids, not factory letters or final authentication.
1924 Colt transitional pistol, GunBroker-observed, W.T.G. inspection claim, HP barrel claim, two-tone magazine claim.
1924 Colt transitional pistol with Springfield Armory delivery context and possible but unverified Hatcher association.
1944 Colt M1911A1, GunBroker-observed, with BOYT 42 holster; originality items remain verification points.
Late-war 1945 Colt M1911A1 and primary database format example with CMP provenance.
CMP / GunBroker-observed Colt record with JSB inspection, Colt components, and rack-numbered grip detail.
Colt record with eagle-head inspection context and OG rebuild marking.
| Year | Serial Start | Serial End | Reported Quantity | Identification Period | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production range table loading... | ||||||
| Check | Colt | Ithaca |
|---|---|---|
| Inspector | Colt-correct inspection for the production period. | F.J.A. inspection initials for Frank J. Atwood. |
| Slide | Colt patent/address lines, Rampant Colt placement, and Colt rollmark style. | Ithaca contractor slide legend and Ithaca marking style. |
| Final ID | Compare the full pistol: frame, slide, finish, proof marks, ordnance mark, barrel, grips, and small parts. | |
| Initials | Association | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| J.M.G. | Early Colt M1911 | Early military Colt inspection context. |
| R.C.D. | Early M1911 references | Use with serial range and production period. |
| W.G.P. | WWI-era references | Commonly encountered in early M1911 collector references. |
| W.T.G. | 1924 transition pistols | Important on 1924 Colt transitional examples. |
| R.S. | Pre-war / early M1911A1 | Evaluate with serial range and finish. |
| W.B. | Early WWII Colt | Important for early wartime Colt review. |
| G.H.D. | WWII Colt | Commonly associated with WWII Colt M1911A1 production. |
| J.S.B. | Late WWII Colt | Match to exact serial range, slide, barrel, and ordnance mark. |
Serial, United States Property, model marking, inspector mark, P proof, ordnance mark, trigger guard marks.
Left/right roll marks, top P proof, rear of slide, underside marks, firing pin stop area.
Top, chamber, lugs, bottom, bore condition, and proof marks.
Hammer, trigger, safety, slide stop, mainspring housing, grip safety, magazine catch, grips, and magazine.