"The real question is whether it is a "military" model. The family story is that it was issued to an Army officer in Korea who brought it back."

The 1950 Target was introduced in February 1950. I am not aware of any purchases made by the military of this model. When WW II ended, all branches of the military suffered severe cutbacks of personnel. There were tons of 1911 and 1911A1 .45 pistols in inventory and they were the primary sidearms.

Military officers were given a lot of leeway on their personal sidearms (think George Patton!). If indeed this 1950 went to Korea, it would have gone as your family member's personal handgun, bought and paid for by him before shipping out. Or it could have been sent to him from the States, once he was overseas. Since lanyard loops weren't standard on the 1950, I would get a S&W letter on it. It could well have been a special order and letter as shipped to your loved one!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!