Alright Ags, I have a chance to buy an old Colt 1911. From what I have read, it appears to be a normal GI Army model. The seller has the original US stamped leather holster and said it was carried during the Korean War. I checked the serial # on Colt's site and I think it was made in either 1927 or 1933. Is there anyone here that has experience with old Colts who could give me some pricing guidance in terms of what I should offer? I've seen a very wide range for similar guns ($500-$2000). Apparently 4 different companies manufactured these for Colt(Remington Rand, Colt, Ithaca, USS & Singer). I've heard the value depends on which plant produced it (with Singer being the most valued bc they only made 500 units).

The Serial # is 585897.

Any help is greatly appreciated!! Here are some pics that hopefully are the right size.





I think you can click each pic for the full size image.


[This message has been edited by RRAggie99 (edited 1/27/2013 9:37p).]

quote:

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Apparently 4 different companies manufactured these for Colt(Remington Rand, Colt, Ithaca, USS & Singer).

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I thought that was during WWII. If it was made 1927-33, I would think it's Colt manufactured.

Thanks techno....that is the type of detail I am hoping I can get cleared up here. I would be buying the gun to keep (not resell) and dont want to pay more than its worth.

Show a picture of the slide out toward the end of the barrel.
Often guns of this era were refinished and show discoloration past the first inch and a half or so. Colt only heat treated that portion. Having a refinished one can greatly effect the value.

RR,
Do you know if all the serial #s match?
A lot of these things are "mixmasters" from being serviced and reassembled with mixed parts. That has a huge effect of value.
Check the Collector's Firearms website to get a good feel for pricing.
Honestly, you will never pay too much for an old war horse. They are priceles to own.

I'd want to see the end of the slide near the hammer too. When the guns went back through the armory they were stamped.

It appears to have been refinished. That greatly diminishes the value.

Based on the pictures, I think it's an ~$1200 gun and is definitely shooter, not collector grade.

RR:

From the stock design and long trigger it appears you have Colt 1911 and not a 1911A1. The 555xxx serial number indicates it was indeed made by Colt in 1918 for WWI use. See
http://coolgunsite.com/pistols/colt%20production.htm.

The 1911A1 series began prduction with 7xxxxx serial.

Were it me Inmwould run not walk to pick up this 1911, esp if you can confirm production. This not to say it isn't an armorer's mix master, probably is but if it has the flat backstrap?? Who knows at this point.

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“I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.”
Clarence Darrow, 1932


[This message has been edited by laavispa (edited 1/28/2013 7:31a).]

Anything of that age that didn't find its way into the back room of the armory to be lost in the dust is going to be a frankenstein. That does not mean they are not valuable or collectable.

Check all of the proof stamps- unfortunately these are among the most counterfited of firearms. The finish should be blue, not parked. Look at the grips and see if there are any other distinguishing marks.

Once i get on a computer i will dig up a couple of websites to read and educate yourself on.

http://coolgunsite.com/pistols/Frame%20and%20Slide%20Markings.htm

This is a pretty good sight concerning all of the different markings to look for, how they need to appear and even covers details like whether or not the markings were pre or post finish.

A great way to at least help make sure you are buying what you are told you are buying.

Based on your serial number, it was made in 1919. Approximately 48,000 of these were made, so it's not rare by any stretch (meaning don't let the seller lead you into believing that it is rare just because it was made in 1919).

Thanks fellas. This guy lives in my neighborhood, so I will see if I cant get better pics. The bluing has certainly petinaed. The biggest downside I saw is where the original owner scratched his initials on the slide (see 2nd pic). Otherwise, it appears to be all original, although I haven't thoroughly inspected it. I spoke with this guy for an hour and he sold me a S&W Model 28 for a great price. He inherited both from his Dad.

Edit...adding two pics he sent me





Here is my #1 question. Is there a baseline price that is a no brainer to pay for this gun? I believe he will sell it in the $600-$750 range. I wish I had a pic of the holster, it was as interesting as the gun itself.

[This message has been edited by RRAggie99 (edited 1/28/2013 11:07a).]

Can't speak for others, but personally if I wanted a pre WWII Colt 1911 in good shape, and one was offered to me in that price range, I'd buy it without hesitation.

Eta, just for the sake of comparison, here is a model from 1918 in Gunbroker. I know it's not the exact same, but it gives you an idea of how some folks value these things.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=327010942


[This message has been edited by techno-ag (edited 1/28/2013 11:40a).]

For $650 to $750, I'd buy it and not think twice, especially if it is functional.

I just made the guy an offer. If I get it, i'll get it cleaned up and post some good pics. Appreciate all the info!