1917 1918 Colt production and transition variations

My name is Frank Trozzo from WNC,  I'd like to start a discussion about 1917 1918 production variations. Rather than getting into the numbering and marking conventions, I'd like to hear from members that have accurate information pertaining to the production variations during the transition from 17 to 18.

I hope to find facts that can authenticate a gun's pedigree. How to determine if a gun was shipped in it's current configuration with seemingly mis matched parts.

Very much like M1 carbines, few left the factories with all matching parts. Same for the 1911. There would be a significant difference in valuation if a gun's parts were swapped after shipping as opposed to built in factory then shipped. Below is some info I obtained that can shed some light. I'd like you all to read and tender an opinion on the historical accuracy.
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Production and Serialization Realities

Colt M1911 pistol frames or parts manufactured or batch-numbered in 1917 frequently were—assembled, serialized, and shipped into 1918 due to the rapid scaling of wartime production.
Continuous Production: During World War I, Colt experienced overwhelming demand and operated under continuous, overlapping military contracts.
Serial Number Assignment: Serial numbers on USGI Colt 1911s correspond to the frame. Frames stamped or batched in late 1917 were often finished, assembled with slides and small parts, and officially shipped out in early-to-mid 1918.
Parts Overlap: It is common for vintage WWI-era 1911s to feature mixed inspection marks or component dates (such as a 1917-marked slide on a 1918-serialized frame, or vice versa) because parts bins were fluidly used on the assembly floor during the wartime push.
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At what point were all the Black armys being made from 100% 1918 parts.  

Based on these factors how would one go about authenticating the originality of a 1911? The question being did this gun leave the factory in its current condition? One would have to consider available parts, assembly, serialization and shipping. Who out there might know better what was happening at Colt during the 17 - 18 transition, because I believe it would factor into the value of these transition guns. At what point were all the 1911s built in identical configurations separate from the previously built transition guns? If this contention can be verified , then what attributes would one look for as far as wear patterns that would give a hint as to the guns originality?

I would appreciate hearing some thoughtful considerations and explanations, and opinions.