1911 barrel markings

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Zorros

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 10, 2017
    1,407
    Metropolis
    The one with the unitary hp is a 1918; the other is a january build 1913. This barrel ( not so good photography) has a seperated h p read by holding the pistol up and down, not sideways. Anyone have thoughts on whether one or both are original tomthe build period?
     

    Attachments

    • 0E0D70DB-4AB7-4918-99A8-089E57D675CC.jpg
      0E0D70DB-4AB7-4918-99A8-089E57D675CC.jpg
      79.7 KB · Views: 464
    • EB04E7C6-3DB2-4C42-B034-0EA5FDF4C1BC.jpg
      EB04E7C6-3DB2-4C42-B034-0EA5FDF4C1BC.jpg
      69.6 KB · Views: 468

    kaliroger

    Active Member
    Jul 20, 2018
    473
    Frederick County, MD
    Regardless whether the barrels are original or not, you should consider yourself very lucky to have the opportunity to solve this mystery!)
    Sorry cannot offer an opinion that would help solve the mystery, but very anxious to hear what others have to say!)
    THANKS FOR THE POST!
     
    Jul 1, 2012
    5,733
    Without knowing S/N it sounds like they are both correct barrels.
    Perpendicular H - P would be used ~25000-110000 (read "properly" if the barrel is held with chamber on left, muzzle on right)
    Inline H - P would be used 110001-425000 (letters read properly if barrel is held with chamber closest to you and muzzle furthest)

    "Unitary" (intertwined) HP would be correct for a 1918
    AH Fox 210000 (early had H-P)-580000 if it has an "&" underneath barrel (AJ Fox)
    Colt 425000-710000 if no mark underneath

    So what's "The Rest of The Story?" :)


    here's pic of the 2nd type (110001 to 425000) from S/N 150xxx
    Rotate the letters 90 degrees to the left for the earlier ones (order may vary)
     

    Attachments

    • Barrel Marking.jpg
      Barrel Marking.jpg
      44.5 KB · Views: 445

    Zorros

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 10, 2017
    1,407
    Metropolis
    Without knowing S/N it sounds like they are both correct barrels.
    Perpendicular H - P would be used ~25000-110000 (read "properly" if the barrel is held with chamber on left, muzzle on right)
    Inline H - P would be used 110001-425000 (letters read properly if barrel is held with chamber closest to you and muzzle furthest)

    "Unitary" (intertwined) HP would be correct for a 1918
    AH Fox 210000 (early had H-P)-580000 if it has an "&" underneath barrel (AJ Fox)
    Colt 425000-710000 if no mark underneath

    So what's "The Rest of The Story?" :)


    here's pic of the 2nd type (110001 to 425000) from S/N 150xxx
    Rotate the letters 90 degrees to the left for the earlier ones (order may vary)
    i will take some better pics. The ‘13 from memory is 30 or 32k. So it sounds like the barrel may have come from a later pistol. I read that for the ‘13 the hood would have a h stamped to face the shooter and a p did not come along until later. Your post would agree with that.
     

    Zorros

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 10, 2017
    1,407
    Metropolis
    Here are some better close ups. The entwined hp is from a govt marked 5559xx serial; the other is from a 205xx early 1913. Any thoughts on whether these barrels are proper for the guns? Thanks.
     

    Attachments

    • C68829A4-A7F4-46B5-99FC-92E2D864A35E.jpg
      C68829A4-A7F4-46B5-99FC-92E2D864A35E.jpg
      58.4 KB · Views: 400
    • 4CE43E94-6567-4751-8961-B93BAF699EF4.jpg
      4CE43E94-6567-4751-8961-B93BAF699EF4.jpg
      50.7 KB · Views: 353
    Jul 1, 2012
    5,733
    Doing some photo-magic it does look like the one in the 1913-date is an original Colt but from a little later (110001-425000) as you mentioned previously.
    It won't detract that much from it, original finish on the gun is more important (at least to me).

    Quick reference if you don't have the Poyer or Clawson books handy, these ranges are a little different than Poyer's.
    http://coolgunsite.com/pistols/barrels.htm

    I think the other barrel is correct (intertwined HP) for its S/N range.
     

    Attachments

    • 1911 barrel.jpg
      1911 barrel.jpg
      47.2 KB · Views: 302

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Latest posts

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    275,404
    Messages
    7,280,370
    Members
    33,450
    Latest member
    angel45z

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom