POTD: Pinky Up! – Model 1911 Pistol with Hook Hammer
Sam.S 09.19.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a unique Model 1911 pistol with a curious hook hammer. This Colt 1911 pistol has a modern reproduction of a rare experimental “hook hammer” likely developed in 1912-1913 for cavalry use. The hooked spur made cocking easier on horseback compared to the standard hammer. At the same time, a longer thumb safety was also requested as the cavalry found the short version hard to manipulate. These changes sparked debate between Ordnance and John Browning about who was responsible for the new trial designs. Only issued briefly on an experimental basis, the hook hammer and extended thumb safety were soon redesigned into the normal 1911 configurations. While short-lived, this pistol showcases a fascinating developmental chapter in the 1911 story, with some unique parts addressing user feedback from cavalry units. The hook hammer especially highlights efforts to refine the 1911 for mounted use.
“This hammer design and its background is briefly discussed in the book, “Colt Automatic Pistol” by Bady on page 208-213. In all other respects this pistol is an exceptional U.S. Colt M1911 pistol. Based on the serial number it was probably manufactured in approximately May/June 1913. The left side of the slide is marked with the early two line, two block 1897-1911 patent dates and address with the “uncircled” Rampant Colt logo behind the serrations. The right side is roll marked “MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY”. The left side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, and the circle “WGP” inspection mark of Major Walter G. Penfield. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number (21932). The slide is fitted with the early, round top rear sight with the narrow blade, half-moon front sight. It is fitted with an early blued, Colt barrel marked with a single “H” on top of the chamber with a single “5” proof on the underside in front of the lug. It is fitted with a long smooth trigger, noted Hook Hammer, checkered slide catch and early extended thumb safety, type III magazine catch lock and second pattern recoil spring. It comes with an early half-tone blued Colt magazine with the flush ground base pins and the lanyard loop.”
Lot 3735: U.S. Colt M1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol – U.S. Colt M1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol Fitted with a Recreation of an Experimental 1913 First Model “Hook Hammer” Pattern Hammer. (n.d.-u). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/77/3735/us-colt-m1911-semiautomatic-pistol.
