22/32 Hand Ejector

[PaulDoc]

Found this at my local shop. It's not perfect but it's not horrible either. I'm just glad it crossed my path. The only information I have is what I've read here. I'm not sure if the Patridge sight is original or has been changed from the Paine. I have read in posts here that some of the early models did ship with Patridge sights, I'm not sure. Either way I'm happy to be the new caretaker. I'm looking forward to shooting it side by side w/ my pre war .22 outdoorsman's model. Should make for a great day.

 

[Goony]

Well, based upon that grip number, it'd seem to be from the original 1911 production run of 1,050 units. The serial number will tell if it's one of the coveted 294 that actually shipped to Philip Bekeart that same year.

 

[Hondo44]

The grips don't match the Patridge front sight vintage which replaced the Paine sight in 1924. The correct rear sight blade for the Patridge sight has a square notch. A U notch for the Paine sight.
Let's start with the serial number on the front grip strap, and does it match the # penciled on the back of the right grip towards the top?

 

[Goony]

The grips don't match the Patridge front sight vintage which replaced the Paine sight in 1924. ...

You make a good point, but if the gun in post-1923, might we not expect to see "MADE IN U.S.A." on the right side of the frame ahead of the sideplate? The bottom line is that we really need the serial number for this example to assess it properly, confidentially by PM if that's more comfortable for the OP.

 

[Hondo44]

Good catch. Yeah the serial number is the key!

 

[PaulDoc]

Thanks to you both for your expertise. The ser# is 138730. Hondo, the rear is a square notch. As far as the grips I can't see the pencil marks with my eye but a haven't looked through a magnifying glass like I've read you suggest.

 

[Bekeart]

Quoting: Well, based upon that grip number, it'd seem to be from the original 1911 production run of 1,050 units. The serial number will tell if it's one of the coveted 294 that actually shipped to Philip Bekeart that same year.

Quoting: The ser# is 138730.

BINGO! It is one of the 1911 production.

Buy a Lottery Ticket!

You still have 294 chances out of 1050 for it to have actually shipped to Phillip Bekeart.



Bekeart

 

[Goony]

138730 is not listed among the 294 shipped to Philip Bekeart. An excellent find nonetheless.

 

[Rollkits]

Great find !

 

[Hondo44]

There are 4 classes of "Bekeartness". The first 294 are 1st class.
2nd class = the remainder of 1050 guns not shipped to Bekeart (756 units).
Yours is in the 2nd class and shipped around the middle of 1911.

I'm convinced it's completely original as shipped even w/o the Paine front sight because they could be ordered with the Patridge sight option.
Or sent back to the factory for a refinish and/or sight change. Is there a star following the serial number on the front strap? Remove the left side stock and look for a date stamp on the grip frame at the 'toe'.
Great find!

 

[PaulDoc]

Thanks to all who responded. I look up to you all as mentors. The knowledge on this forum and the collectors forum is invaluable. Thanks for the ever evolving education.
Side note: there are no other markings on the grip frame other than the serial # on fore strap.

 

[DarryH]

Man I love that!! Always wanted one, but I don't see many, and the only ones I MIGHT have been able to afford were in awful condition.