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.
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That would be cool to find out. The first few digits are difficult to make out, but I'll probably have another go with a wire brush and see if I can make them legible.
Use a copper brass or bronze brush if possible. It'll do less damage to the underlying frame.
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!
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