Help with serial # on 1911 mixmaster

[Inusuit]

I am researching an interesting 1911. It is a Springfield Armory 1911 frame marked with the eagle over S 8 behind the trigger. The are initials small H large D on the muzzle side of the disconnector, small G on hammer side. UNITED STATES PROPERTY on left side of frame. Hammer, grip safety, and trigger are 1911 style with lanyard loop on the mainspring housing. Traces of Army black finish in protected areas. Magazine is WWI two tone without a lanyard loop.

Serial number is No (under strike under the o) 327 (large digits) 698 smaller digits.

The slide is a parkerized with Ithaca markings. Grips are WWII style brown checkered plastic.

The barrel is marked COLT 45 AUTO on the left rear, a D stamped on the link lug.

There are no arsenal rework markings visible when field stripped.

I’m confused about the serial number because of the different sized numbers and the number doesn't show up in the SA lists I consulted. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[beagleye]

Pictures would be a big help.

 

[824tsv]

If you can't figure out how to post pic's, I can send you a step by step tutorial.

 

[jeeps]

Most reworks were never marked by arsenal. Ww2 rework,mixmaster is normal parts replaced were not by maker ,but by part only. Normal rework.

 

[Watchdog]

I am researching an interesting 1911. It is a Springfield Armory 1911 frame marked with the eagle over S 8 behind the trigger. The are initials small H large D on the muzzle side of the disconnector, small G on hammer side. UNITED STATES PROPERTY on left side of frame. Hammer, grip safety, and trigger are 1911 style with lanyard loop on the mainspring housing. Traces of Army black finish in protected areas. Magazine is WWI two tone without a lanyard loop.

Serial number is No (under strike under the o) 327 (large digits) 698 smaller digits.

The slide is a parkerized with Ithaca markings. Grips are WWII style brown checkered plastic.

The barrel is marked COLT 45 AUTO on the left rear, a D stamped on the link lug.

There are no arsenal rework markings visible when field stripped.

I’m confused about the serial number because of the different sized numbers and the number doesn't show up in the SA lists I consulted. Any help would be appreciated.

As another member mentioned, photos would be an immense help.

The "H" located on the top of the frame by the disconnector is a provisional acceptance mark, showing the frame was inspected (theoretically) by Francis Hosmer. But like the "FJA" stamp on Remington Rands and Ithacas, it really doesn't mean Hosmer looked at every single frame. And actually, I'm not aware that Hosmer inspected Springfield frames. He inspected Colt frames from 1911 to sometime in 1919. I suppose it could also be for Frederick Hauff, but I'm not sure what he did. Some sort of inspector, I think.

The "G" on top of the frame by the disconnector shows that the pistol was made to meet a government contract.

I don't know anything about a "D" stamp near the disconnector.

You say the barrel lug is stamped with a "D"? You sure it isn't a "P" with the tail worn off?

Regarding the serial number: Springfield numbers began with 72571 (1914) and ran through 127998 (1917). Production ceased after that. So your serial number doesn't seem to fit into the Springfield range. It does, however, fit into the late 1918 Colt serial number range. But the different size numbers sound just wrong to me. Rock Island Arsenal and Augusta Arsenal did renumber some 1911s, but that wasn't until WWII, and none of those number ranges include yours.

Meaning no offense, but saying the hammer and trigger are "1911 style" doesn't help much. With a pistol that's been reworked or rearsenaled, any number of hammer and trigger variations could have been used. Ditto for safeties and slide stops.

I don't believe the magazine is original to the pistol. It should have a lanyard loop on it. I think. I could be wrong.

Arsenals usually did put their mark on pistols they reworked. Home gunsmiths and other random tinkerers do not, unless they're trying to make a fake I guess.

I probably haven't helped you much. I'm sure there are other forum members who can be more helpful when they see this thread.

Again...photos, please?

 

[Inusuit]

Thanks to all who posted information. I am a volunteer updating the firearms inventory for a local museum and will not have access to the 1911 again until next week. I will arrange for pictures as staff are available and post them with assistance from 824stv.

Here's a link to Springfield Arsenal markings that me led to believe the frame is SA as there is the eagle head over S8 just behind the trigger guard. Yes, pictures.

Common M1911 Exterior Markings

I agree that the magazine should have a lanyard loop to be original to the frame. The accession information indicates the pistol arrived with two magazines, but the second is missing.

Watchdog, thank you. My best guess agrees with your speculation that this was a non-arsenal rework.

By 1911 style, I meant that the hammer is wide with knurling on the spur, the grip safety has the short spur at the top, and the trigger is the longer version. Wear on these matches wear on the frame. Yes, pictures are necessary.

Many of the firearms in the collection are incompletely or incorrectly identified. There is a nice Colt SAA in .32-20 caliber that the donor alleges belonged to Tom Horn. However, the Colt was made in 1907, four years after Horn was hanged in Cheyenne. I am attempting to correct as many of these errors as my limited knowledge and inexpert research allows.