[holster collector]

I bought a rough condition barrel for my 1911A1 to use for shooting so I could protect my high-condition HS barrel. Interestingly, when I examined the rough barrel, it has an ambiguous mark over the chamber and a "5" stamped under the barrel. No other obvious markings including no "H" over the chamber. This looks like it might be a very very early Colt barrel but I can't tell. It could just be something else. Does anyone have some expertise in these 1911 barrels and can offer an opinion? Thanks.
Sorry but these are the best photos I could generate. The small "5" and the ambiguous mark over the chamber are all the markings there are.

 

[Edward Tinker]

I have a couple of books, but they're in the Den - will try to remember tomorrow.
in the meantime, there is a good site on 1911's www.coolgunsite.com
its a good start for a quick look

 

[holster collector]

I have a couple of books, but they're in the Den - will try to remember tomorrow.
in the meantime, there is a good site on 1911's www.coolgunsite.com
its a good start for a quick look

Hi--It was coolgunsite information (photos 7a and 7b of barrels) that hinted the identity of the barrel; however, those photos and the text on that site are not complete or definitive. I thought someone with more information might be able to improve my identification. Thanks.

 

[mouser]

Can you, please, make a better in-focus picture of the marking on the chamber?

 

[holster collector]

Can you, please, make a better in-focus picture of the marking on the chamber?

Hi--Took a few more photos of the only markings on this barrel. I paired it with another M1911 barrel (marked "H" and "P") to help me focus. There is only the ambiguous marking over the chamber (probably a "P" but not clearly stamped) and a "5" under the chamber. I notice that there is longitudinal milling on that barrel whereas it looks radial on the other barrel.

 

[mouser]

What you have is an “intertwined” HP on the chamber with only the top portion of the HP visible , since it was probably struck at an angle or with a broken die on the radiused surface. Correct for 1918-1919 guns I believe?

 

[holster collector]

What you have is an “intertwined” HP on the chamber with only the top portion of the HP visible , since it was probably struck at an angle or with a broken die on the radiused surface. Correct for 1918-1919 guns I believe?

Thank you for that clever analysis. Great detective work--thanks.

 

[johnboy]

I'm curious, are you going to swap in the other vintage barrel to shoot with? I have a 1917 (Colt 1911) I put a 1991 Colt barrel in when I want to shoot it.

 

[holster collector]

I'm curious, are you going to swap in the other vintage barrel to shoot with? I have a 1917 (Colt 1911) I put a 1991 Colt barrel in when I want to shoot it.

I won't be shooting a vintage barrel. I will just continue my search for a modern shooting barrel if and when I want to shoot my WW2-era Rem Rand. Thanks for asking.
There is more to the story, by the way. I went back to the seller of the vintage barrel and told him I would buy the second barrel he had to offer and which was in better condition for shooting--should be more accurate, etc. I bought it and guess what--it was an even earlier barrel. From what I later learned, both barrels are pre-1924. One has the intertwined HP and the other has separate H and P over the chamber.
Still need a modern shooting barrel but no complaints.