I have a very early 1911 that I am trying to ID the inspectors mark which is a K on the rear trigger guard. It has a VP proof mark in a triangle at the left front of the trigger guard. I've search all the internet sights related to 1911 pistols and can't find the inspector mark this pistol has. The pistol has a three digit (C5XX) serial number. Any information on this inspectors mark would be appreciated.
Want to ID the inspectors mark on a 1911
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Reptile
Ultimate Member
I believe most of the single letter marks you find on the trigger guard have not been identified to an individual. Those marks are put there at different stages of the production process. Check out www.coolgunsite.com and click on the ID Pages tab for details. The Markings section is what you want to read.
somd_mustangs
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- Jul 1, 2012
- 5,730
For the Colt 1905 Military "K" has been associated with assembler George Donovan
(source: Patocki's "The Colt Model 1905 Automatic Pistol" book, he has a list of several of inspectors & assemblers).
Since this is such an early 1911 (and you're teasing us with it) that may be true for this 1911 as well.
On the Colt's often a "K" will be stamped on the right front or rear trigger guard indicating inspection after a factory repair/rework.
Whether that's Donovan or another inspector, can't say.
edit: as you've probably discovered, Poyer doesn't list "K" for the 1911.
Could it be and "R" by any chance?
(source: Patocki's "The Colt Model 1905 Automatic Pistol" book, he has a list of several of inspectors & assemblers).
Since this is such an early 1911 (and you're teasing us with it) that may be true for this 1911 as well.
On the Colt's often a "K" will be stamped on the right front or rear trigger guard indicating inspection after a factory repair/rework.
Whether that's Donovan or another inspector, can't say.
edit: as you've probably discovered, Poyer doesn't list "K" for the 1911.
Could it be and "R" by any chance?
somd_mustangs
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- Jul 1, 2012
- 5,730
If you haven't seen Sam Lisker's site it's worth spending some time ogling all the interesting stuff.
You might want to contact him about your pistol.
http://www.coltautos.com/1911gm_C45_1912.htm
BTW, does your early 1911 still have the original high-polish charcoal blue finish and fire-blue small parts?
You might want to contact him about your pistol.
http://www.coltautos.com/1911gm_C45_1912.htm
BTW, does your early 1911 still have the original high-polish charcoal blue finish and fire-blue small parts?
somd_mustangs
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- Jul 1, 2012
- 5,730
Oh man, that is awesome sauce!
Those early high-polish guns are really beautiful.
I would venture to guess it's the same guy (Donovan) that was inspecting the later Colt 1905's, the last of which were made in that time frame.
There may be another inspector/assembler mark on top of the frame next to the disconnector hole.
Those early high-polish guns are really beautiful.
I would venture to guess it's the same guy (Donovan) that was inspecting the later Colt 1905's, the last of which were made in that time frame.
There may be another inspector/assembler mark on top of the frame next to the disconnector hole.
I will look for the other inspectors mark. You are correct, the high polish is beautiful. Most of the finish ware looks like holster ware and grip ware. I really appreciate your good input as I want to find out as much as possible this beautiful pistol that is in exceptional condition.
somd_mustangs
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- Jul 1, 2012
- 5,730
I'd contact Sam, he's "#1" 
I'm sure he'd be interested to hear the history of the pistol as well.
I use Renaissance Wax on the hi-polish Colts vice oil to bring out the shine (DO NOT use car wax).
The finish is pretty fragile and even the acids in fingerprints can cause rust issues.
I break out my white cotton gloves when handling 'em.
I'm sure he'd be interested to hear the history of the pistol as well.
I use Renaissance Wax on the hi-polish Colts vice oil to bring out the shine (DO NOT use car wax).
The finish is pretty fragile and even the acids in fingerprints can cause rust issues.
I break out my white cotton gloves when handling 'em.
somd_mustangs
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- Jul 1, 2012
- 5,730
I guess I was too subtle
hairba111
XGMG2
Ya gotta show us what ya got there feller! There are several 1911 enthusiasts here including me. I own a few old ones myself plus new ones. Nothing beats an M1911 pre or WWI.
hairba111
XGMG2
Fantastic shape! Keep that jewel close and well cared for. 
somd_mustangs
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- Jul 1, 2012
- 5,730
Holy Moly that's nice!
somd_mustangs
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- Jul 1, 2012
- 5,730
Zorros
Ultimate Member
Sa weet. Envy. Enjoy it, and thanks for sharing
hairba111
XGMG2
Have you contacted Colt yet? I paid $100 for a certificate saying when my 1918 "Black Army" was shipped out and where it went. It doesn't give you any more info but it adds to the value, if you ever sell it. Mine went to Benicia Arsenal, CA, US Cavalry in 1918. Nice looking frame-able piece of paper also.
That is a beautiful looking pistol. Great family history behind it too. Choose wisely in it's inheritance.
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