Nearly five years in preparation, this newest book in the For Collectors Only® series examines John Browning's Model 1911/1911A1 from barrel bushing to hammer to lanyard loop on a part-by-part basis. As it approaches its 100th Anniversary, it remains as popular as ever and one of the most sought-after pistols by collectors the world over.The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols is 544 pages long. It includes 82 tables detailing parts and markings and 673 photographs and drawings. An eight page color insert shows rarely seen examples of the Model 1911 and Model 1911A1.
Parts are described in chapters organized by assembly receiver, slide and magazine. Each part of each assembly trigger system, magazine release, sights, etc. are then described and photographed complete with markings and other identifying characteristics. Parts are differentiated by model and manufacturer, i.e. Colt, Springfield Armory, Remington Arms-UMC, Singer, Ithaca, Remington Rand and Union Switch & Signal. All Colt commercial model and variation parts are also described and compared to the military .45 ACP part.
All military and commercial markings are listed by date or serial number range of use. Serial numbers are listed in twenty-six individual tables both by military and the individual commercial models, and by other manufacturers. An appendix contains a serial number listing organized both by manufacturing and shipping date. Serial numbers for British military, Canadian, Argentine, Norwegian, and Russian military pistols are also given. Individual chapters and appendices provide detailed examinations of markings on receivers, slides and barrels, including military inspection and commercial inspection markings, and photographs of all slide markings. Finishes are described for both military and commercial pistols by serial number ranges.
Accoutrements and accessories of the military .45 ACP pistol are thoroughly explored and photographed including all tools, belts, magazine pockets, and holsters. Complete listings and descriptions of all U.S. military Model 1912, 1916, M3, M7, and M15 holster manufacturers are included. U.S. military-issue ammunition in .45 ACP is described in detail. A photo-illustrated assembly/disassembly procedure shows the most efficient way to service the pistol.
As always in the For Collectors Only series any change or variation in a part is described by serial number range, making it possible to determine the authenticity of any Model 1911 or Model 1911A1 by year of manufacture.
