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I tested the query system using the serial number to my 1974 Series 70 and got this: '1974 1911.45 (COMMERCIAL) WITH C PREFIX, INCLUDING 1ST MODEL NATIONAL MATCH (1933-41)' I think the data is a little off! Colt 1911 Serial Number History. Norwegians purchased 3. Colt and then, having established that no Norwegian product was acceptable, began to negotiate for a license to build guns in Norway. Under an agreement signed in January, 1. Norwegians a set of Colt’s drawings and the right to make M1.
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I have a Govt model MK IV/Series 70 Colt 1911 that I bought, second hand, in 1977. I am trying to trace the serial number, but mine does not match anything I have been able to find.It is SM41XXX. It is stamped on the right side of the frame, above, and slightly forward, of the grip.
There are no numbers on the slide or the barrel.I have seen the 'SM' designation in serial number lists, but it seems to stand for 'special model' and were made way back when.Does anyone recongnize this number or know where I can find out more in formation. During that time Colt made a small run of Service Model Ace pistols (22s) that continued from the last serial number of the last original production run. The 'SM' stands for service model.That was mostly before the days of good aftermarket frames and it is not unusual to find one of the SM frames that has been converted to.45 and the.22 top half sold as a conversion kit. IIRC they were not great sellers and were heavily discounted which made them an attractive source of genuine Colt frames.The numbers do not appear in most of the serial number tables which haven't been updated in years but there really isn't anything rare about the newer version- especially if it isn't completely original anymore.
The colt site is less than helpful. I sent them an email, but never got a reply.The 22/45 idea makes sense. See below:4) Colt Service Model 'ACE': Caliber.22 Long Rifle S/N SM 1 to SM 3,836 = Feb. 1943 ( Between 1935 and Sept. 1945, 11,961 Colt Service Model 'ACE' pistols were made and their parts were fully interchangable with the.45 caliber M1911A1.5) Colt Service Model 'ACE': S/N SM 3846 to SM 13,803 = April 1945 to Sept. 1945This information is from this site:Also:S/N SM3725 to SM13803 Service Model 'ACE'.22 made, some gaps in numbering produced in 1945.
Commercial production resumed in 1946.Note that the largest serial number shown is 13803. It also says that more were made, but there is no serial numbers listed.So, it looks like I have a frame, that was originally built as a.22, then was converted to.45 using a MK IV/Series 70 barrel, slide, & magazine.Does that sound right to you guys?Any idea when they stopped making the ACE.22s? The frame is in great shape and looks no older than the slide. The bluing matches perfectly.Is this a fun hobby, or what!Thanks for the feedback guys!