7

ing even includes the AUT-ORD-CO bullet logo on the top of the receiver. The serial number is even repeated

under the foregrip mount in the secret location.

There is also a small amount of the Prussian blueing on the inside of the receiver near the H Blocks ramps.

What does this tell me?:

THE BULLET LOGO

THE SECRET SERIAL NUMBER

1.) The initial production was going very

slowly, with a lot of the parts being hand

crafted.

2.) The design was not fully documented

and worked out for a production stand

point. Changes were occurring to the de-

sign due to contract requirements as well

as for ease of manufacturing production.

Why was s/n 41 engraved versus roll die marked?:

According to the AO/Colt's contract Model of 1919, s/n 26 was to be used as the basis for production. The last

known Model of 1919 to leave the Colt's factory in the 1990s had no factory markings. No Model of 1919 had any

markings on the receiver like that seen on production Colt Thompsons. Therefore, this information was still being

created. So the roll dies may not have been available when receiver s/n 41 was completed. Or more likely, s/n 41,

was the prototype for the final markings layout, and was a mock up prior to making the roll dies.

This is a very common practice in the gun making business. Auto-Ordnance even did this on the markings for the

C and L drums, until the final markings were

decided upon. Some of these drums were

shipped as salesman samples and finished

product to customers. Why not , they looked

good and functioned.

This is probably what happened with serial

number 41 and 44. Particularly since Gen-

eral Thompson was very anxious to get a

military order for his new firearm.

s/n 41 Today:

Receiver 41 today has a new home after

much debate by the internet experts. The

receiver has been inspected, cleaned and pre-

served. All of the military parts that came

with the gun have been replaced with Colt fac-

tory parts. However, the trigger frame to 41 has

not been mated to the receiver.

But, just as fitting, the trigger frame to serial number 44 has joined receiver 41. Back together again.