I thought I post here.
However, after reading a few posts, these questions will probably show how little I know about the subject. For this I appologise, but at this hour of the morning I hope you understand.
I have read many of the other posts and they have answered several of my questions, but I have a few more.
I own 3 1911's now, and I am fairly skilled at disassembling and assembiling them, and now I've decided I'd like to build one. I plan on making this a year+ long project, depending on how easily I find the parts I want.
PROBLEM
I want to build a 1911A1 that looks as close as possible to a WWII era gun, using as many authentic parts as possible. My problem is I am not very knowledgeable about what markings would indicate when slides and frames were made.
Today at a gun show, I found a couple of slides that were marked from what I assumed to be WWII period, but I wasn't for sure. The slide was stamped with "patented 1944,1945... etc. similar to what I have seen on other 1911's made in the 40's. I didn't buy either one of them cause I didn't have the money, and I wanted to be sure of what I was getting.
MY GOAL
I would really like to match an original slide and frame together if possible. But, I don't know if that's a logical thing to do, or if it's even possible.
I'd like to have as many authentic/original parts as possible, ie hammer, trigger, main spring housing w/laynard loop, mag catch etc.
I want it to be parkerized when it's fininshed.
Price isn't a concern.
WHAT I HAVE NOW
Today, at the gun show, I picked up a hammer, thumb safty, mag catch, and MSH. As best I can tell, I got the parts I wanted. The only one I have questions about would be the MSH. It's rounded with a laynard loop, and it appears to be either stippled, or has worn checkering.
QUESTIONS
How difficult do you think it is going to be to find the parts I want?
Where would be the best place to look for these parts? Gun shows? Online?
Are there books I need to buy, or web sights I need to check out to find out what certain markings mean?
If I manage to find everything I want, and have the gun reparkerized, will this detract from the value of the pieces? Or should I even be concerned with this, and just be happy I built the gun I wanted?
In the end I want a functional gun that looks like it could have been carried in WWII.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, cause I think I'm going to need it.