1942 Colt M1911A1
Commercial to military conversion
In 1942 Colt transferred
6,575 unsold Commercial pistols to the Military. The pistols were
reworked to bear the Military numbering, finish, and inspection marks.
The original Commercial marking and serial number on the frame were
obliterated and re-marked with the Military markings. The serial number
under the firing pin stop plate was also renumbered . The slide retained
the original Commercial markings. All of these conversions appear to
have the Swartz Safety cutouts, but do not have the Swartz Safety parts.
On this pistol, the '2' is still visible under the firing pin stop plate
of the original Commercial serial number. Click
on images for larger version.
Left view
Right view
Colt commercial marking
Notice the rough metal from
the original serial number
Checkered slide stop and
"GHD" inspectors mark
Both the slide and frame bear
the commercial sales S mark
Swartz Safety cutouts
Re-stamped slide
serial number
"Colt .45 Auto" and "G"
marked barrel
Final ordnance inspection
mark is clearly struck. Most
are at an angle and only
partially struck.
Milled and checkered trigger
Checkered thumb safety
Checkered mainspring housing
Original Colt .45 Auto
marked parkerized bottom
pinned base magazine