From gun related magazines, I heard a variation of WWI 1911 being nicknamed as "Black Army", but not sure how it was classified. Is this one a Black Army? Was the classification based on year, maker, or finish style?
The serial number range of Black Army pistols is from about 310000 to 629500. I have no. 415696, a September 1918 Black Army. A little more wear than yours, but still nice. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, mine was polished out a little, so the dark, oxide look is gone, but the finish as not a fine blue like yours.
BTW, rhood, I also have a 1918-dated holster, with tie-down, and proper magazine pouch. I'd have to do more digging than I'm prepared to do, to get photos of them up here, but I have them, somewhere, nonetheless. Yours is an excellent rig, with two magazines and accoutrement, however, items I do not have.
From what I can see, it's serial number 289002. If so, that means it was shipped to the Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory, on May 6, 1918. At least according to Charles Clawson's "big book." And it is not a "Black Army" finish. Colt did not begin that finish until around serial number 312,000.
I have a 1911 of the same date, serial no. 156804. The rearing horse emblem, however, is stamped between the hammer and the slide grip serrations.
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Jan C. Still Lugerforums
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