[HelpInspire]

Hello everyone. I'll be honest my knowledge on 1911's is limited and I could use your help identifying what exactly I have. This 1911 came for a locked up gun chest my grandfather had stored away. I know it's in need of a good cleaning, but I wanted to grab some photos before I proceeded. I have quite a few photos to upload so I'll make a few posts to upload them all.

Some details I have found on the gun.

• I was unable to locate a serial number on the lower, but I was able to find a '3' located behind the firing pin.
• Also on the upper's underside a 'G'
• (dashes used to separate lines) The upper's markings along the side read "MODEL OF 19911 U.S. ARMY" and "PATENTED APR.20,1897. SEPT.9,1902 - DEC.19,1905 FEB.14 1911. AUG.19,1913 - COLT'S PT F.A.MFG.CO. - HARTFORD,CT.U.S.A."
• On the lower I did find what appears to be an armory stamp and a number by the trigger '47'
• It has the heart shape cut in the handle
• The barrel has two letters on it, on letter for each side 'P' and 'S'

If you could please help me put some dates to these items that would be wonderful. I am aware this very much could be a lunch box gun, but I would rather leave it up to the experts to determine that. Thanks in advance.

 

[HelpInspire]

Additional photos.

 

[HelpInspire]

Additional photos.

 

[HelpInspire]

The only facts I have to go on is my grandfather was a veteran of WWII and he acquired this 1911 shortly after. The gun to him was a show piece and therefore was never shot by him, not sure about previous owners, and later in life wrapped it up safely in an old WWII water tight metal box. It lay there until about a week ago.

 

[HelpInspire]

Thank you for the information and I will take your advice to get it registered. If I may ask what will the imprinting of a new serial do to the value of the gun or is the value already lost due to the removal of the serial in the first place? Understand I'm not looking into this to sell it, but to determine if it's value should keep me from shooting it. To keep as a show piece or a fun gun at the range. Thanks for all your help.