Well most of one anyway. I didn’t think it was a real one to begin with and just threw it in my trolley, but cleaning up in some rust remover and some vigorous brushing revealed “United States Property” and a serial number engraved on one side, and the letters G.H.D on the other which confirmed that it is the body of a real gun!
Definitely wasn’t expecting to find this in the canal in Gloucester. I think it’s from WW2 judging by the state of it and the markings, but I’m definitely not an expert.
Here’s a picture of the other side, the G.H.D engraving isn’t really visible on camera though:
Woah! Sweet find!
Around here you’re supposed to call the police if you reel in any kind of firearm. Though I suppose they might spare the bomb squad if it’s just a frame… and accidents happen, maybe you forget to call it in…
I honestly thought they might say I’m wasting their time with a frame so rusted that you’d be better off machining a new one than trying to restore it. I think its time in the canal has rendered it thoroughly deactivated
That is a very cool find. If you can make out the serial number you should be able to tell who made it and in which year.
I think it was made by Colt in 1942. I wasn’t sure of the first digit in the serial number but it looks like either an 8 or a 3 and the G.H.D inspection marker means it must be an 8. Pretty cool, thanks for the links!
