[Rampantpuna]

Does any have an opinion on this finish? Thank you for your input.

 

[RSColts]

Hmm.....Parko-lubrite..?

At first pass, I think the finish is original. Your mileage may vary.

 

[1911Collector]

Although you asked for opinions on the finish, I can't get past those grips...

 

[ColtPlinkerton]

I like those grip panels, I have a pair exactly like them I got from Guy a few years back. 👍

 

[JohnnyP]

The SMA receiver is original finish, but not so sure about the A1 slide. Shows some old pitting that appears coverer over (along with some new pitting).

 

[824tsv]

Where is the Service Model top end?

 

[Rampantpuna]

Where is the Service Model top end?

A mystery for sure Robert. Thanks, Andrew

 

[stan3]

Where is the Service Model top end?

Here's a 1945 S.M. ACE top-end (looks like it has original finish).

 

[M38A1]

In my opinion based only on the three photographs provided, the first photo in the OP's original post shows an expected two-tone finish near the muzzle. The second photograph shows what looks like fresh (post-finish) pitting at the bottom area of the slide and rear tip of the tang. However the upper portion of that slide photograph shows two (and maybe three) small patches of pitting in the slide surface that existed before the slide was refinished. The third photo puts the slide pitting in better perspective.There could also be a area of fine pitting forward of the ejection port. The frame's grey color looks a lot like other known refinished 1911A1s I have seen. But better, more detailed photographs are needed to be sure.

 

[JohnnyP]

Things always make more sense right side up. Left side markings, J.S.B., Verified Proof, and final inspectors stamp show original finish on receiver.

 

[DarkLord]

Everything looks as it ought to. Was arsenal refinished at some point, not uncommon the two halves don’t match. Nice pistol!

 

[M38A1]

Thanks for a better photo of the frame. I was not sure what the frame anomaly below the slide hold-open slot in your first photo was. I still don't know, but no matter. And under your lighting conditions, I liked the very subjective "look" of your slide color better than the frame. That's why I tried to answer your original question of a possible refinish with something more objective. Surface pitting under the finish is one of those things.

 

[JohnnyP]

The spot on the receiver under the hold open notch in the slide looks like a spot of rust. A small pit and a discoloration of the original Parko Lubrite finish.

Like the very late 1911A1 Colt pistols, the late SMA pistols show very light, if any, sandblasting to the receivers, and none on the slide assembly.

 

[Sergio Natali]

I don't claim expertise but in my opinion the frame looks arsenal refinished while the slide is probably not.
Of course I could be wrong, bright sunlight photos aren't the best for determining colour.

 

[M38A1]

As Sergio said, it's difficult to evaluate a finish from photographs taken under artificial light. I felt that the color of the left-hand of the side looked more original than the frame. Just my opinion from limited photos. However, on the right-hand side of the slide, I felt it highly unlikely that Colt's quality assurance would have accepted a slide with rust pitting under their factory finish. Even if it is just a spot refinish of only the pitted area, it's still a refinish per the OP's question to the forum. If he is looking to buy it, he has a better bargaining position.

 

[JohnnyP]

The receiver certainly could be refinished. What I see is the original left side markings, JSB, VP, and final inspector's mark still sharp and clear. In my pinion these would not have survived in this condition in an arsenal sandblasting for refinish.