Colt M1911A1 Transitional
Serial Number 702585
GunBroker-observed 1924 Colt Transitional Model M1911A1 record documenting a high-condition early M1911A1 transitional pistol, Springfield Armory delivery context, original blue finish, correct two-tone magazine, and possible but unverified Major General Julian S. Hatcher association.
Collector Grade
Serial number 702585 is a 1924 Colt M1911A1 Transitional Model, part of the early production run that incorporated the design changes that became standard on the M1911A1. The listing described this pistol as being delivered to Springfield Armory and retaining approximately 90–92% original finish.
The possible association with Major General Julian S. Hatcher is historically interesting but remains unverified. This pistol stands on its own as a significant Transitional Model even without confirmed Hatcher ownership.
Evidence Gallery
Why This Pistol Matters
Serial number 702585 is important because it represents the 1924 Transitional Model production run that bridged the original M1911 and the standardized M1911A1. These pistols incorporated the early A1 improvements requested after service experience with the original M1911.
The possible Hatcher association makes this pistol especially worthy of documentation, but the connection should remain marked as unverified unless primary-source records are found. The firearm is historically significant even without the provenance claim because of its Transitional Model status, condition, Springfield Armory delivery context, and correct early components.
Component Review
| Frame | Colt Transitional Model frame, serial number 702585, with M1911A1 transitional features including frame relief cuts behind the trigger. |
| Slide | Colt military slide with MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY marking as shown in the photo set. |
| Finish | Original commercial-style blue finish. Seller described approximately 90–92% original finish with storage and handling wear. |
| Trigger | Short trigger, one of the design changes that separated the Transitional Model from the earlier M1911 pattern. |
| Mainspring Housing | Arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, consistent with early M1911A1 transitional configuration. |
| Grip Safety | Improved/extended grip safety tang consistent with the A1 design evolution. |
| Barrel | H/P marked barrel visible in the photo set. Bore described by seller as strong with light frosting. |
| Magazine | Correct early two-tone magazine shown with the pistol. |
| Condition | Seller described excellent mechanical condition and approximately 90–92% original finish remaining. |
| Provenance | GunBroker listing, observed 29 May 2026. Possible Julian S. Hatcher association remains unverified. |
Originality and Significance Scorecard
Preliminary overall score: 59/60. Provenance potential reflects the possible Hatcher association, not confirmed ownership.
Transitional Model Production Marker
Serial number 702585 falls in the 1924 Colt Transitional Model range associated with the early M1911A1 design changes.
Production and Historical Context
Production
Serial number 702585 was produced in 1924 as part of the Colt Transitional Model run.
Transitional Features
The pistol documents the shift from M1911 to M1911A1 features, including short trigger, arched mainspring housing, and frame relief cuts.
Springfield Armory
The auction description states the pistol was delivered to Springfield Armory, a key institution in U.S. small arms development.
Collector Interest
High-condition Transitional Model pistols are premium U.S. military Colt collector examples.
Provenance Timeline
1924
Manufactured by Colt as part of the Transitional Model production run.
Springfield Armory
Listing states the pistol was delivered to Springfield Armory.
1987
Associated plaque references inaugural rounds fired from MG Hatcher's M1911A1 pistol in Hatcher Hall Test Range on 5 February 1987.
29 May 2026
Observed on GunBroker with seller-provided Hatcher association theory and Robertson-family chain-of-custody narrative.
Archive
Documented in the 1911 Database as a notable Transitional Model with unverified Hatcher association.
Open Documentation Items
- Archive the full GunBroker listing and final sale price.
- Upload final web-ready photo set to the repository.
- Retain close-ups of serial number, barrel markings, magazine base, and plaque.
- Search Springfield Research Service records for serial number 702585.
- Search Springfield Armory archival material for 1924 Transitional deliveries.
- Search Hatcher family, NRA, and Robertson family papers for ownership evidence.
- Document whether the Hatcher Hall plaque can be independently tied to this exact pistol.
Research Notes
Research method: This record separates confirmed observations from provenance claims. The Transitional Model identification and 1924 Colt production context are treated separately from the possible Hatcher ownership theory.
The current assessment is based on seller photographs and GunBroker description documenting serial number 702585, Colt Transitional Model configuration, original blue finish, two-tone magazine, H/P barrel marking, Springfield Armory delivery claim, Hatcher Hall plaque, and seller-reported Robertson family chain-of-custody narrative.
Provenance caution: The possible Major General Julian S. Hatcher association is not proven by the materials reviewed. It should be treated as possible but unverified unless primary-source documentation is discovered.