Bill Koszarek Collection, Photos & information courtesy of Bob BrechtModel
1905 serial number 5929 - British Military Model Colt M1905
.45 Automatic Pistol with lanyard loop, 7-shot magazine, 5 inch bbl, mfg. in
1911 and shipped to the Colt's London Agency Sept. 8, 1911. British
Ordinance Board Mark(?): The number 8528 is struck into the well for the
magazine catch in the butt. This may be a British Ordinance Board Trial
number from the initial sale of the piece in London in 1911.
Colt Factory Markings: The standard Colt Verified Proof mark is
present on the left forward trigger guard bow. The inspector mark "W" for
Axel Halstrom is on the left rear trigger guard bow. The assembler's mark
"3" for Wilson Kay is on the left side of the frame. The slide markings are
correct Type D markings according to Potocki's classification system.
According to Goddard's "The Government
Models", less than 400 of the total production of about 6200 pieces were
shipped to England. Accordingly, only about 6% of production was built in
this configuration with the lanyard loop and shortened left grip.
British Commercial Proof Marks are as
follows. Proof Act of 1904 -1925: The London view mark is present on the
barrel hood and on the receiver and slide near the hammer on the left side.
The London proof mark is on the barrel
hood. The later (Proof Act of 1955) Birmingham ".45" .900"/7 TONS" is
stamped on the barrel hood beside the crown over BNP mark indicating caliber
(bore) and the pressure of the proof charge in tons per square inch.
The Birmingham Proof crown over BNP is on
the right side of the slide aft of the ejection port. Crown over BNP is also
found on the barrel hood and the right side of the receiver aft of the
trigger. Birmingham proof crossed scepter private view mark is on the right
frame aft of the trigger just below the crown over BNP.
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