Military Issue Colt 1911 puzzle

[Blackjack33]

I have a 1916-mfg Model 1911. An old Colt letter identifies it by s/n as a "Government Model" which is how Colt referred to the commercial variation, as I understand it. The serial number, however, does not have the "C" prefix as the civilian models were marked and it also has the "GHS" ordnance inspector's stamp so I believe it is a military-issue model. Also, the "United States Property" stamp has been ground off the frame a long time ago, as evidenced by the fact that the metal finish in that area is consistent with the overall finish on the pistol. I recently saw another 1911 with a relatively close serial number that had the United States Property stamp identically removed. Was this done before Colt sold surplus pistols? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Colt 1911 Government Auto (2).jpgColt 1911 Government Auto(1).jpg

[Oyeboten]

Far as I know, Colt did not sell off 'Surplus' M1911 Pistols, or grind off any Stamping-texts, and, occasions of the Gov't Property Stamping being ground off was done by private persons for reasons they felt made sense to them, even though it was a non-issue from the beginning, for Civillians to own or have ex-US-Military small Arms with such Gov't propery Stampings on them, no one cared, but some individuals worried that the presence of the stamping could get them in trouble somehow.

What is the serial Number of this Pistol?


And, can you post some further and closer images so we can see the texts on the Slide?


Military Serial Numbers far outdistanced Commercial Models very early on.

[oldcanuck]

The pictured pistol is a military model.... not a Government Model.... regardless of what any letter from anyone says.

At one time it was illegal to posess United States Property.... hence some of the removals of the USP roll marks. It is somewhat common..... and as previously stated, Colt had nothing to do with selling military surplus..... the military took care of this when allowed.

[Kid Sopris]

Sometimes mistakes are made, because the researcher happened to drop down a line on the entry book when copying information. Call the Historical Dept. Tell Beverly or Joe what your Pistol says, state the markings and have them confirm. I had such a mistake- twice. Once the Colt Historical department not knowing the difference between LAPD and LASD misidentified a 1911 Commemorative. One phone call and a new letter was issued at no charge.

[Blackjack33]

S/N 134290. Left side, in two lines, "PATENTED APR 20 1897.SEPT.9 1902 COLTS PT. F.A.MFG CO." AND "DEC.19,1905.FEB 14 1911.AUG 19, 1913 HARTFORD,CT. U.S.A." I may have missed a period or two and mistaken a comma for a period in the dates because the markings are worn.

[Blackjack33]

Kid - I did as you suggested but no luck with Colt's Historical Dept. My 1968 Colt letter was apparently produced before they provided the detailed info that they put into today's letters. My letter states the model name and year of manufacture but not shipping destination. Even though Colt's 1968 letter gives inaccurate info on the pistol, Beverly/Joe want $100 to issue a correct letter. I'll pass (with a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth).