Early Colt 1911's | First Dozen Ever Made | Surprise Find!

[@butchyshoe]

Way back in 1961, 45s were made available thru the NRA for $17.00. I bought one and it wound up being a Colt. still have it today 12/2020. I had it in my car when stationed at FT. Bragg. When i was a short timmer and had no duty i would drive to the pistol range on post and shoot for free. I still have the paperwork for it ! Sometimes the range officer said take what u want, so i did. I still have 700 rds. mainly cause i shoot steel targets often and reload with lead rds. Very Happy Shooter!!

[@CoachKemii]

Dennis, post pictures or make a video extremely interested in seeing it. Thanks for reading.

[@richrich4980]

Yes I agree please do make a video we need to see this please 🙏

[@badjaeaux]

would you take 100 grand for it

[@ScubaOz]

I am a 1911 freak for sure, this was very informative to watch and got me looking into it some more

[@misionero1787]

So $15 in 1911 is about $420 in 2020. In 1910 eggs were $.36 doz., building trades paid $.52 hr., teacher made $492 a year., state and local gov. $699 yr. , average industrial worker $574. yr. In otherwords a New Colt 1911 was about a weeks work. MAYBE just a little bit cheaper than today.

[@hughgrection9439]

An immaculately preserved example,good sir.Shines like a mirror.Hard to believe it's nearly 110yrs old.

[@theloudamerican2193]

This is truly one amazing bridge between the known, and the unknown. I’m mesmerized by the web of dates, and details. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to educate yourself AND US. Thank you.

[@richrich4980]

Couldn't have said it better myself you read my mind

[@kentdurham2716]

Works of art! The polishing! Look at the ‘flair’ of that rear sight. Not just a sight but a blended masterpiece. Love the old checkered hammers and the nitre blue! Great history lesson, thank you so much!

[@BrendanW0214]

I'd love to know what happened to #10. My dad was offered it many years ago (this was probably the mid 80s in Atlanta, GA) but turned it down because the finish was gone per him, a decision he still kicks himself over to this day.

[@hsidelinger]

SN 1 of those 9 prototypes does exist and is located at the Museum of Connecticut history in Hartford CT. I’ve laid eyes on it.

[@lawrence3242]

M1911’s are the best side arm in the world in my opinion. Easy to field strip, hard to jam with trash, several safeties, I think it is stupid proof. I have had several over the years and when I heard colt was going to stop making them, and at the time I did not have one. I ran out and bought a colt commander blued M1911 colt commander. Since then I have had parts replaced with Wilson parts, special tritium sites mounted on the slide by the factory. It’s only short coming is they never made a 13 round capacity lower receiver group. But I still love my gun. I carried mine for years 7 in the clip one in the chamber hammer down. If I was going to be on the back wall of the citadel holding off the enemy I would want my 1911 in my hand. Three tours in RVN and a few short excursions other places always had a 1911 and my Kbar as last ditch weapons. My M16 being my primary weapon. Oh, just so you know I’m 74 yrs old and have 25 years under my belt USMC and US Army. I love your channel keep up the great work.

[@xkmendlt4290]

I could kick myself in the ass for selling the two that I owned over the years. Have been on the CMP waiting list for one of the government issued models for a while. Keeping my fingers crosses for the next batch that gets released.

[@landryayaan5215]

I guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my password. I love any help you can offer me.

[@walkermiller3684]

@Landry Ayaan instablaster =)

[@landryayaan5215]

@Walker Miller I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@landryayaan5215]

@Walker Miller it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out !

[@ThatMDubyaGuy]

I can't remember exactly but I seem to recall that the Colt 1911 at the JMB museum in Ogden Utah has #1 on it. It may be a pre-production sample however. Worth the drive and stopping in, seeing JMB's own tools and firearms.

[@SlavicCelery]

That bluing is on a level that's rarely seen today. Even on high end Italian over and under shotguns.

[@chrischiampo7647]

The Used Bone and Charcoal then Polished and Boiled in Gasoline To Achieve That Amazing Luster Back When Craftsmanship Was King 😊😀

[@xkmendlt4290]

Colt always had the best mirror finish bluing in my opinion, even up through the 80s.

[@rogainegaming6924]

@@chrischiampo7647 Good luck doing that today with the EPA. They would have their boot on your throat before you even got done with the first gun.

[@tonydeaton2890]

Nothing made like that today really. The fit and finish on the old Colt's is impeccable. Reliability is 100%. In my humble opinion, these pistols totally outclass the Luger.

[@tonydeaton2890]

@Co S of course you're right. That's why the P08 saw so much service.

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

That No.11 is by far the most beautiful 1911 I've ever seen. Amazing find! Err... Good find for your Colt collector buddy!

[@heaven-is-real]

F.S. Boden looks like a G-Man for Elliot Ness. I could see him as a real life Tough-Guy, fighting gangsters type. It makes sense that he was a mechanic, because he would have a love for such a cool well designed piece in his possession. Neat stuff, thanks.

[@321minder]

Thank you for showing us those guns, i let my dinner go cold but no matter. It was worth it.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Watched every second. Enjoyed every one of them as well.

[@memberberries9782]

I could only imagine how much enjoyment you get out of porn... Wait, this is the porn..

[@ogstopper]

This video is why YouToob (KZbin, in English) was invented!!! Thank you for yet another superb educational film. 👏👏👏

[@brunoterlingen2203]

Absolutely magic bit of research, well done Tom.

[@douglasbrinkman5937]

i recall a Rifleman article a few years ago on this topic, they tracked down two #2 pistols.

[@noahboat580]

as much as i like baretta for being the oldest company in firearms design, Browning's M1911s are some of the best and one of the most iconic firearms in existance. and look at that bluing on the 11th m1911 ever made! its amazing it didnt decondition in any major way. definitely a special firearm you got there

[@naji2naji]

Love your videos! America needs more honorable people like the three Generals (two who send the Colts back including the one who paid for it) more than investment tips!

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

I have a colt 1903 that my grandfather used to carry around as a kid in the hill country while fly fishing the streams. Sweet little pistol.

[@TheHarley883r]

what i like is to think of is the history of those pistols, defending someone life in a war, maybe keeping someone alive , the story they could tell, not to mention that the colt , 1911 is just a beauty and still being used in combat today , thank you sir for sharing, glad you got up at 4 for this it was worth it for us ....

[@larrypesek8818]

Praying you are doing well. LOVE THIS VIDEO!

[@jeffreyfletcher3661]

You are a wealth of knowledge! Thank you for your show. For unknown reasons I just love those old military handguns.

[@rashid8577]

MY FAVORET GUN ALL TIME

[@brianfalls5894]

Love the history on the 1911's. I'd love to see the early 1911's. I currently own a 1911 but it isn't a Colt. I purchased my 1911 and it is made by Taurus. I got a good deal on the price so I picked it up and I've loved this pistol ever since. I can tell you right now that it shoots straight. If you miss it is because you are aiming wrong. Of all the weapons I currently own, my 1911 is my favorite.

[@quantdoc]

No record of 0011 and 0012. Sounds like a Colt employee helped themself to a little bonus money before Christmas.

[@johnregner5067]

Is this a JOKE or Bullshit? You Obviously don't know John Browning. I met him in Belgium, He was working on a high capacity 9mm. I am a trained gunsmith, so edged for a job.. sadly no go, full up-oh well He was Fantastic to talk to. JR

[@sweatyben1550]

@@johnregner5067 boomer posting

[@LUC1FER_R1S1NG]

Hell yeah...I would've done that

[@imthatguy1878]

@@johnregner5067 hahaha I used to sit and have breakfast with john browning at the woolworth's food counter, he even shared his bacon some mornings

[@mikesharp4033]

Thank you. Your presentations are great fun, and a revelation. By including provenance you bring these classic guns to life. Best wishes for your good health and safety from the U.K.

[@davidhug4958]

wow, thank you for sharing such a fascinating piece of history. It's amazing how little has changed on it in over 100 years.

[@troyspurling1910]

Great video Sir! My dad is retired in Oklahoma, a Vietnam Vet and 1911 guy. I told him to track down #4 in the museum

[@Firedad4132]

I think the museum in Oklahoma you mentioned is the: Woolaroc Museum, Colt Collection, Bartlesville, OK

[@jerylarcher6487]

This is an amazing collection, open for public viewing. It includes some colt Gatling guns and presidential engraved examples.

[@joshschoenecke4772]

I actually think it's in claremore at the JM davis gun museum

[@stratocaster1greg]

There is the 45th. Infantry Museum in Oklahoma City. They have some war time 1911s there that the parkerizing had a greenish tint.

[@SuperJ213]

I have been a fan of the 1911 since I was a boy and appreciate these 1911 videos on your channel. Side note: I can't help but love that the 1911 is the state gun of Utah (that certainly wouldn't be a consideration in my home state of CA).

[@KristianHerdi]

One of Papa Browning's timeless classics!

[@gabork.8715]

Love the history here! I think there was a significant change on the pistol from 1909 to 1910 when the grip angle changed from the upright to more slanted. The thumb safety was added and the extractor went inside the slide. From then the pistol began to look like we recognise it! Please keep up the good work!

[@spangy8405]

I just woke up Tom (4:34am), I grabbed a cup of coffee as I do, then noticed my YT alert. As yours is the only channel I suscribe to I knew I was in for a great start to my day. :) And boy was I not wrong .. my only regret was that I wasn't there with you for morning coffee and that the video was way too short. lol At first I must admit that I was disappointed that today wouldn't be about Luger's this morning but that thought lasted only seconds as I, like you, have been spending more time admiring the 1911 and its history lately. Another most entertaining and informative video Tom ... what a great way to start my day. I have an idea for one of your future videos if I may be so bold .... that being REICHS-GENDARMERIE ( R.G.) MARKED LUGERS. Thanks so much Tom for what you and the guys @ Legacy do.

[@eklojoe]

My first 1911A1 I bought at Potomac Arms in Arlington, VA. It was from the Chilean Army, all stamped on the slide, but instead of .45 cal, it was marked 11.25 mm. Wound up selling that for $50 more than what I paid for it (like a dummy) in 1966. The 1911A1 that I carried in Vietnam was made by Remington Rand. In 1961 or '62 my father used to get Argosy magazine and in one of the back pages there was a little 1½" x 2" ad selling U.S. Army surplus 1911A1s for $12. The only catch was you had to check this little box saying "I certify that I am at least 21 years of age." So since I was only 17 I naively thought the FBI would know I was lying and come get me. Oh to have those days back now.

[@Laakona]

I know a person here in New Hampshire who bought a 1911 from a woman after her father died at age 93. It is what is known as a "Lunch Pail" 1911. It was made by Colt, is a beautiful firearm but it has no serial number and never had one. Lunch Pail 1911s, Colt estimates maybe more that 200 of them, were smuggled out of the plant, piece by piece by plant employees. It looks like a WWI gun but is missing the numbers.

[@richrich4980]

If I'm not mistaken you might have one of the singer 1911s I've heard those were the ones that were being taken home like that from the factory

[@ckultra121]

I have a Aug 19 1913, Stamped Government Model, been family owned. Thanks for the awesome video. Not for sale.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome video !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I absolutely love 1911's.

[@gdmofo]

Love my vintage Colt Government model made 1951

[@MrADjam5]

Just to hold something that went through John Brownings hands would be amazing. You know he had to handle each of the early ones before they left the factory. Thanks for sharing.

[@edrooney526]

man, you can’t beat those original high polish blue finishes.

[@doncarlos6314]

Yet another great, GREAT video. Please get up early more often! Thanks.

[@zoinksxscooby]

Shoot, no matter what the case may be it's gorgeous. Wonderful piece of history right there.

[@fabiobonucci5780]

I own a 1916 Government Model in the "Russian contract" range but not marked in Cyrillic. I love it...

[@wmsollenberger8706]

the prophet John had an unworldly imagination! Been in love with this piece for 65 years now, always a symbol of the 'good guys'.

[@jasonjwise]

Great video !!! love hearing all of the information . thanks for sharing

[@AlanpittsS2b]

Amazing piece. I think everyone should own at least one 1911. I adore them even though they aren’t the best carry gun. I conceal a glock 19 but I own many 1911 pistols and occasionally do carry one in a shoulder holster

[@matthiashellmann6211]

You are really the greatest expert in hand guns, German and USA developments on this planet. Greetings from Germanny to you, may God bless you.

[@pilgrimm23]

thanks, yes I get up at 4AM too, habit of the old :) You DO sound well caffeinated :)

[@Turboy65]

For me, my grail pistol would be a 1911 just like the one shown here, but in absolutely new condition. In that fantastic high polish Colt blued finish. It's beautiful like no other finish.

[@miniaturemachinist6098]

Turnbull used to make some that looked very similar to that for around $2,500. You may be able to special order one still, if you want to spend that much.

[@cdixy302]

That is a level of pride and prestige in collecting i can't even imagine!

[@wgs6606]

The 1911 is either a Corvette or a Kenworth, but it has lines. The Savage 1907 is lineless.

[@spangy8405]

WGS ... great analogy ... to me the Luger is the corvette and the 1911 is the Kenworth, an absolutely fantastic truck that I drove for many miles and many years.

[@WardenWolf]

@@spangy8405 Nah, the Luger is a BMW: overly expensive and maintenance-intensive and ultimately not much better than a Corvette. Incidentally, one major flaw with Lugers is that the toggle action is too fast, which means the magazine spring has to be in peak condition or it'll outrun the magazine's ability to push up a new cartridge. This, among being overly complex, made them very maintenance-heavy.

[@johnpublic168]

wonderful you take the time revealing al this great infomation. look forward to more.

[@jj70098]

Number 11 being the first 1911 of the military contract built in 1911 is just perfect.

[@6omega2]

My inflation calculator only goes back to 1913, but $15 in 1913 would be $394 today, in case anyone is interested.

[@gh-gv8mx]

Nice! Thanks!

[@razorseal]

Sounds about right!

[@mbenjamin292]

Thank you I was wondering about this.

[@mattlf9120]

And the finishes don't have anywhere near the quality.

[@newdefsys]

The inflation calc is a little biased. $15 dollars in 1913 would have been tendered in gold coin at a value of about $1366 today. Also, A junior officer's pay was only about $150-$200 per month. So then Foster spent about 10% of his monthly salary to buy the gun, which is no small amount.

[@russjordan243]

I’ve got an Augusta Arsenal rebuild likely done in the late 40’s/early 50’s, made of two main parts from WW1 or before. It’s parkerized, but you can still easily make out the circled colt on the back of the slide and of course the 1911 patent date, making it one of the early Colt 1911 slides. The Arsenal reserialized the frame with an X prefix and 7 digits but it is still marked EEC on the back of the trigger guard, the inspection stamp from a man who did that job in 1918-1919 at Remington UMC. Fascinating history, even though the two main parts didn’t come together.

[@thetoneknob4493]

ive got a 1942 colt 1911a1 army that looks alot like this pistol. whoever polished and blued my pistol was going for this look.the metal prep polish is spot on the grain going the correct directions and everything is sharp and square still. it had alot of work performed on it. everything was upgraded and re fitted with military nm prefix parts. and it came with a shoe box that contained all the original gi parts and some extra stuff, an adjustable micro rear sight and 3 old two tone mags! i bought the whole lot for 300$, the parts and mags are worth twice that amount! it would cost a small fortune to pay a gun smith to preform all the work its had done.

[@brettsims931]

Great information and really well put forth! Thank you...

[@para1324]

Based on your historical research and analysis you do have the 11th Colt made and looks like the first of the first military contract ever made. I do not blame you for not selling that one or any other of its linage. By the way when I was in the Army I never heard of a Beretta. We had 1911’s.

[@ypaulbrown]

Your videos are wonderful Sir, thank you from Florida, Paul

[@woodwelder]

Truely mouth watering stuff ! Keep it coming - the problem is my hands are long with short pockets ....😞

[@robertmunich3990]

FSBoden is a real treat to know you actually traveled back in time and found one of the owners of this gun ! it wud be so great if you cud do that w all your guns !!! Good detective work it was super intruiging !

[@Anggon5]

I like to collect old war pistols. They're just too pricey for someone thats 25. So far I have a 1918 colt 1911, 1920 DWM police luger and an m30 c96. Really want a p38 or a nambu next

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Great choices.!

[@knightofthesun758]

Thank you for the review, Sir. Power on.

[@jimbarrett3161]

Wow..... what a "great tutorial" thank you so much, enjoyed every word!

[@sfdanceron1]

Just recent picked up a 1911 a few months ago from Springfield. Love it.

[@gregkerr725]

Super interesting video.............and an amazing firearm to have!

[@rodgerjohnson3375]

The bluing on these .45's is in such bright condition I thought they had been reblued.

[@rstrimp226]

I think someone else mentioned it but #1 is still in Hartford at the CT history museum across from the statehouse. I saw it a few months ago and took a few pictures. Very large Colt exhibit there and worth stopping by if you are in the area.

[@lisar3006]

I have 1911 made in 1916 the holster with it was made in 1913. It is a nice brown patina and is a very solid well maintained pistol made by Colt.

[@Maxtowers71]

this video is priceless... might be that i worship the creature of John M.Browning, but anyway... Thank You SO MUCH for sharing this, this is so amazing... that guy Charles, i kinda envy him (in a completely good way)

[@droidlittle582]

Absolute beauty's! Thanks for the vids!!

[@thinman8621]

Great presentation! Thank you

[@AdamosDad]

I carried one while on After brow/ quarter Deck watch, in the 60's. I liked it so much I bought one, the one I used in the Navy was the straight spring housing model. Thanks Tom, great educational video on gun eye candy/porn.

[@ag3ntx]

We carried the same guns in the mid 80's.. we even had Thompson's.. man I HATED to draw that gun... it was a heavy bugger to lug around for 5 hours..

[@AdamosDad]

@@ag3ntx In our armory we had about 20-25 M14's, 10 or 12 Thompson's, dozens of 1911's as well as the Marine detachment had their M16's, about 40 and lots of grenades. Basically we had enough weapons for a boarding party or to repel boarders. My ship USS Newport News (CA-148) did use small arms when we were in Vietnam, the 1911 is a heavy gun by modern standards but it what we had.

[@ag3ntx]

@@AdamosDad ohh the 1911 wasn’t the problem. That huge heavy honking Thompson was cool.. the first time, then they became what you drew if the Armorer was pissed at ya..

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

@@ag3ntx Hell, I used to carry a 1911 for 12 hour shifts as a COP. That was in the days when most of the guys carried whatever revolver they were issued. It was a little heavy but the reload beat a revolver, all week long and twice on Sunday! Y'all take Care and be safe, John

[@ag3ntx]

@@JohnDoe-pv2iu I’m referring that heavy bastard Thompson..the 1911 was a feather compared to that...

[@ELW2940]

Yeah....and I’m up at 4:00AM watching you !

[@extremesheepdawg6379]

My grandfather had a Navy 1911. I am not certain which was which, but 1913 and 1914 frame and slide. My father traded it and $1.00 for a .38 semiautomatic as the guard company he was working for did not like .45. The gun store had opposite year frame and slide, so they swapped them and had a complete 1913, and a 1914. So 2 collectibles for 1 new gun. I loved that old .45 and still miss it. It was the first pistol I ever fired. My current XDm is the only semiautomatic that has been as accurate. It was smooth firing, no issues running. It was in the 80’s until he traded it early 90’s, so at the time it was 75+ years old.

[@zivendine]

Just curious and a ball park guesstimate is fine. When did they (they being Colt or any other manufacture) add the lanyard loop to the spring housing rather than the magazines?? GREAT VIDEO and thanks for the presentation.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Pretty early. I think 1914 -15

[@rhg1911]

The lanyard loop was standard on all military M1911 and A1's on the main spring housing. The magazines had lanyard loops until 1915. So, the earliest M1911's had 2 lanyard loops on them.

[@terrydavis7922]

Great video with lots of information. Keep up with the work you're doing.

[@leewoiteshek4192]

I'm amazed on how tightly fitted those Colts are. Your paying Wilson prices for that now days.

[@denniswilson9317]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Had to delay my breakfast a few. As with many of us the first hand gun I ever fired was a 1911 after learning to disassemble it at Elliot's Beach. Anybody remember that place? I can safely predict that I will never be without at least one and I hope there is a WWII veteran sometime in my future. Back in the day I passed on picking up one of many offered to me for a very reasonable price.I instead, like my pals, bought new Colts which, except for two, I didn't keep and as you would expect my stock market history is not to be envied.

[@mikedee6173]

Thank you for a very interesting video.

[@2mnyshp]

Thanks! At the moment you're my favorite channel!

[@patrickduis]

Very nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@Hidalguense]

Hopefully one day you can talk about the Colt 38 Super match

[@rhg1911]

@Thomas Whiteman... The Savage M1907 competed against the Colt M1907, well before the 1911 Special Army. The Colt 1907 was a modified model 1905. The next Colt prototype was the 1909 (unique design), then 1910 (first prototype to look like a 1911) and 1911 Special Army (used for final approval and acceptance), then finally the M1911. The slide on this gun is an M1911 slide - not the earlier Special Army. (It is also not one of the earliest M1911 slides either.) It is my understanding that the Special Army pistols were all manufactured at the same time. These were used for final approval, and as such, pre-date the "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY" slide marking. The left side marking on this gun is consistent with early M1911 slides... but not the earliest ones. The earliest slides had 2 different fonts - one for each blocks (left and right). Thus, I do not believe this is what he thinks it is. That said, I would LOVE to own this amazing pistol. Also, the horizontal "H" on the hood of the barrel is the second military variation barrel, not the first. The first was unmarked, and very scarce with only the first 400 or so guns getting one. The marking inside the frame is interesting for sure. This pistol (I believe) was more likely than not taken off the early production line before serial number, military inspection and USP markings. Possible early so-called 'lunch box' pistol... It certainly has the earliest, highly reflective blue finish and fire blued small parts, so this was during the time of the first 2400 or so pistols.

[@ahmet42selim65]

Sweet and in great condition

[@elvinferrell7266]

At 10:10 the picture shows a shiny spot above the trigger guard. That was caused by a lot of carry in a military holster. The leather patch on the inside over the flap stud caused it.

[@epps1217]

I was lucky enough to come across one manufactured in 1912. Serial number 41xx. Would like to take it to an expert to get an opinion. I couldn't pass it up with such a low serial number and not to bad condition.

[@ryanmalin]

I had a Colt 1908 .32acp and it was such a cool little pistol.

[@Stopsign32v]

Charles should chrome plate the 1911s and throw on some VZ grips

[@rodfast8196]

Shame on you

[@clawhammer704]

Your a fool

[@williamgunnarsson]

In a Winchester book, they say that during WW2 they were allocated a series of serial numbers to start producing Colts for the war effort. After tooling up, they had a trial run of 50 pistols WITH THE WINCHESTER NAME on them ! However, the war came to an abrupt end , so they didn't continue the run. Forget the Singer or any other pistols, because if somebody could get ahold of just ONE of those 50 Winchesters, they could name their price. If anyone should come across one of those, I'll bet it'll be you! Can't wait to see one.

[@richrich4980]

I think that singer did a run of 500

[@GUNTHER-lx6vu]

If I ever come across some money you'll be the first to know love your channel and those pistols are beautiful

[@paoloviti6156]

First of all please let me congratulate on your excellent and very trough work on this very first Colt 1911's one of my favourite pistols! I liked so much your video that I subscribed immediately and can only recommend to keep on posting as I can't wait seeing further research on guns!

[@Patrick_B687-3]

It’s the afternoon. I’m coming back later when it’s time for the evening cocktail. Or two.

[@GoobNoob]

Very Cool Video! Congrats to the owner of this gun!

[@juanpablogomez7030]

Awesome history great educational video, thanks Tom

[@Dev_Six]

The 11th 1911. That's awesome.

[@jadz684z]

That bluing is awsome