Colt 1940 C.S.R initials, blued, 1940

[ghouse]

Anybody get a Colt (1940) with C.S.R. inspectors initials (Charles S. Reed). The reason I ask is I just acquired one with original blueing (thin). The frame and slide match. I have been told and based on research these are a little rare. I am on the waiting list but my RGN is just over 17k which I may not get one......

[thebearpack]

1940 CSR-inspected Colts are quite rare, only found in 1940 with serial numbers between 717,000-ish and 723,000. Most went to the Navy and they're often found in poor condition. In good all original condition they can be very valuable.

[ghouse]

Thanks, mine is 721xxx. I didnt know most were shipped to Navy......how would a person determine that, write Colt for a letter??

[thebearpack]

A letter would show it going to Springfield. They went to the Navy from there as this was before America's entry into the war and the Navy was getting refitted first. I've read that many PT boat crews had them.

[ghouse]

Thanks again for the info. I didnt know that PT boat crews were issued these. I have heard/read that Singers were usually issued to the Army Air Corps????? I dont own a Singer, with their high price I probably wont.....unless I stumble across a rare steal (conscious prob wouldn't let me) or win the lottery.......

[Hitower]

Does your CSR look like it was double stamped? Like when the die bounces a double stamps??
I also have a 721000 CSR.

[ghouse]

All the stampings/roll mark's are crisp and clear.

[TW56]

Originally Posted by thebearpack

A letter would show it going to Springfield. They went to the Navy from there as this was before America's entry into the war and the Navy was getting refitted first. I've read that many PT boat crews had them.

I am interested in where to read that CSR inspected Colt 1911A1 went to PT boat crews.

[Milsurp Collector]

I see two officers with holstered pistols, an M1 Carbine, and three Thompsons.


PT-305’s first crew included Torpedoman First Class James Nerison, top row, second from left. (Courtesy: The National WWII Museum)

Three pistols, two Thompsons, and a couple of M1903s.

[thebearpack]

Originally Posted by TW56

I am interested in where to read that CSR inspected Colt 1911A1 went to PT boat crews.

Pretty much all of them went either directly or from Springfield to Sewell's Point (Norfolk) VA for Navy use. Some show up in SRS and some have been found in ship records such as one that was incorrectly reported lost from the USS Hornet. Regarding PT boats specifically, I can't find definitive sources but seem to recall several knowledgeable collectors mentioning it. I wouldn't take that as fact by any stretch.