I purchased a Colt 1911 with an interesting roll mark. It said, "Property of the State of New York." I found it in my local gun store here in Central TX.
Some Google searching revealed a story of 1911's being recalled by the Army from (some?) National Guard units when the Korean War was heating up. The NY National Guard ordered some 1911's to replace these re-called pistols.
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In late November I sent off for the Colt Archive letter for this pistol. It came today, March 18th.
It showed:
"Property of State of New York" is engraved on the slide.
Sold to: Albany Hardware and Iron Company Albany, New York.
Shipped to: State of New York
State Quartermaster
New York State Arsenal
201 64th Street Brooklyn, New York
Date of Shipment: December 16, 1950
Colt Factory Order: #7078
Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 250
I'm pleased to verify the origin of this pistol, but wonder if anyone here has seen another one?
How do you suppose these made their way into the civilian market?
Has anyone ever heard of similar pistols from other State's National Guard units or was this unique to New York?
I'd love to hear any wisdom from any one.