US 1911A1

griz

January 18, 2003 18:52

Is there any way to trace the history of a WWII vintage 1911(where it was shipped - where it may have seen action)? Mine is a Colt M1911A1 U.S. Army - manufactured December 1942 according to serial #. Has W.B. inspector stamp. Thanks.



To ride, shoot straight, and speak the truth--This was the ancient Law of Youth.
Old times are past, old days done; But the Law runs true, O little son!
- Charles T. Davis

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  p3skyking

  January 18, 2003 19:33

  Clawson's book has points of embarkation for most serials that went to the military during WWII. (COLT 45 SERVICE PISTOLS). You might also try Springfield Research.

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  101AIRBORNE

  January 19, 2003 09:47

  The most obvious is to obtain a letter from Colt.[:)]

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  Der Gebirgsjager

  January 19, 2003 19:16

  WB = Waldemar Broberg, Col., US Army, inspected Colt, Smith & Wesson Victory Revolvers, Colt M1911A1 .45 Auto Pistols, 1941.

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  Mr Gee

  January 19, 2003 20:14

  http://www.model1911a1.com/
  
  http://www.sightm1911.com/
  
  http://www.m1911.org/
  
  http://www.m1911.org/identify.htm
  
  good luck Mr Gee

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  nmyers

  January 20, 2003 03:32

  The approximate shipping date, and sometimes the date that the gun was sold by the government, are generally the only information that it's possible to get on this type of gun.
  
  Colt letters are expensive (about $100), and won't tell you anything that you can't find on one of the websites.
  
  The Armed Services didn't keep records of which units/individuals were assigned specific firearms. Sometimes guns can be traced to a soldier who stole it upon discharge, but that is hardly considered to be "provenance".
  
  Once common, WWII vintage M1911A1's IN ORIGINAL CONDITION have become very desireable and expensive. If yours has not already been abused, I suggest that you take good care of it.

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