1911 frame w/ serial number 13XX-NM

ockhamsrifle · September 3, 2011, 10:48 AM

I inherited an old 1911 with no manufacturer's name on the frame. The only markings on the frame are 13XX- NM. I replaced two of the numbers with XX. This pistol has a Colt slide and has been in the family since at least the early sixties and maybe the late fifties. Can anyone tell me who made the frame? A pistolsmith whose opinion I respect thought possibly it is an early Colt national match gun, but he couldn't find the serial number listed in a reference book. I am considering having a new slide fit to the frame as the current slide has threaded holes on top for an old "Bomar rib".

38 Super Fan · September 3, 2011, 11:13 AM

That number would be correct for a 58 Colt National Match Model (Gold Cup)frame. Should look my 62 models.

ockhamsrifle · September 3, 2011, 12:00 PM

38 Super Fan,
Yes, it looks very similar, but your's is nicer. Since mine is not stock, would it be okay to have a new slide fit to it or would that be improper?

38 Super Fan · September 3, 2011, 09:18 PM

I suppose you could do that, it would be nice to find a correct slide, your current slide is not original?

**Aguila Blanca** · September 3, 2011, 09:39 PM

I think before I swapped out the slide I'd try either plugging the screw holes with blind screws (they make them fir this specific purpose), or having the holes TIG welded and the slide refinished.

ockhamsrifle · September 4, 2011, 08:17 AM

We believe the slide is original but it has those five threaded holes in it. I guess I will try the headless screws to fill the holes. Thanks for the help and advice.

Dashunde · September 4, 2011, 09:12 AM

Good advice.
Its easy enough to set the blind screws and TIG down the excess to lock them in place, then refinish both frame and slide.

Even if someone chimes in stating is is valuable or a collectors piece the damage is already done, might as well fix it I say.

September 3, 2011, 10:48 AM	#1
ockhamsrifle Junior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Posts: 3	1911 frame w/ serial number 13XX-NM I inherited an old 1911 with no manufacturer's name on the frame. The only markings on the frame are 13XX- NM. I replaced two of the numbers with XX. This pistol has a Colt slide and has been in the family since at least the early sixties and maybe the late fifties. Can anyone tell me who made the frame? A pistolsmith whose opinion I respect thought possibly it is an early Colt national match gun, but he couldn't find the serial number listed in a reference book. I am considering having a new slide fit to the frame as the current slide has threaded holes on top for an old "Bomar rib".

September 3, 2011, 11:13 AM	#2
38 Super Fan Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 137	That number would be correct for a 58 Colt National Match Model (Gold Cup)frame. Should look my 62 models. Last edited by 38 Super Fan; September 3, 2011 at 11:18 AM.

September 3, 2011, 12:00 PM	#3
ockhamsrifle Junior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Posts: 3	38 Super Fan, Yes, it looks very similar, but your's is nicer. Since mine is not stock, would it be okay to have a new slide fit to it or would that be improper?

September 3, 2011, 09:18 PM	#4
38 Super Fan Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 137	I suppose you could do that, it would be nice to find a correct slide, your current slide is not original?

September 3, 2011, 09:39 PM	#5
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	I think before I swapped out the slide I'd try either plugging the screw holes with blind screws (they make them fir this specific purpose), or having the holes TIG welded and the slide refinished.

September 4, 2011, 08:17 AM	#6
ockhamsrifle Junior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Posts: 3	We believe the slide is original but it has those five threaded holes in it. I guess I will try the headless screws to fill the holes. Thanks for the help and advice.

September 4, 2011, 09:12 AM	#7
Dashunde Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2004 Posts: 2,018	Good advice. Its easy enough to set the blind screws and TIG down the excess to lock them in place, then refinish both frame and slide. Even if someone chimes in stating is is valuable or a collectors piece the damage is already done, might as well fix it I say.