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Scarce U.S. Model 1911A1 ''Commercial Swartz Safety Delete'' Semi-Auto Pistol by Colt

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Scarce U.S. Model 1911A1 ''Commercial Swartz Safety Delete'' Semi-Auto Pistol by Colt
serial #862847, 45 ACP, 5'' Colt barrel with a near excellent bore showing faint frosting on the lands and grooves. This scarce gun is one of the commercial Government Models transferred to the U.S. Government by Colt to fulfill their contracts. In late 1942 into 1943 Colt transferred about 6,575 unsold commercial Government Models to the military. Most of these had the Swartz firing pin safety that was removed plus a few associated parts replaced with military parts. The ''C'' prefix serial number and Government Model markings were crudely removed using a method called bunging and peening, then ground off and replaced with United States Property Markings and military block serial number. They were Parkerized, test fired and proofed by the military inspectors, and a military acceptance mark added. The metal surfaces of this fine gun retain about 98% arsenal grade restored Parkerized finish with light edge wear, handling marks, and the evidence of the alterations to the marking are apparent. The checkered synthetic Coltwood grips feature large reinforcing ribs on the back, large reinforcing rings around the screw holes, and they remain in about excellent condition. The small parts and markings are correct for the period of manufacture, the slide is correctly numbered to the gun while Brigadier General Drewry's inspection mark remains crisp as do the other markings. It includes a single Colt seven-round magazine with pinned floorplate that has been refinished and the number ''1578'' has been stamped on the floorplate. It also includes a factory letter indicating this gun was one of 2,250 shipped to the U.S. Government Transportation Officer, Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts on January 12, 1943. Lastly, it include a U.S. War Department ''Technical Manual Ordnance Maintenance Pistols and Revolvers'' dated November 9, 1942. Overall, the book rates very good although the binding is starting to fail around the staples. Many of these guns were lost or rebuilt over the years and is a unique opportunity to find one in original condition. This is a wonderful collecting opportunity. (8C11616-7) {C&R} (5000/7000)