Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
3/22/2012 8:58:33 AM EDT
Need a ballpark figure on what an original Colt 1911, mfg'd in 1918 would be worth. Gun is very tight, seems 100% functional, finish worn off, grips solid, but worn, supposedly original. Mag as well.

I know it varies, but I am just wondering a ball park.
3/22/2012 10:14:46 AM EDT
[#1]
When you say finish worn off, I assume it is a later 1918 production with the crappier bluing.

Roughly 1K
Go down with incorrect parts

Go up with a better finish
3/22/2012 10:33:05 AM EDT
[#2]
Thanks. Sucks seeing older, less common stuff and not knowing values.

Beautiful piece of freaking iron though. Wish it could talk.
3/22/2012 2:47:12 PM EDT
[#3]
military or commercial? the militaries tend to get higher prices. does it have the words "government model" on the frame above serial number? if so it is commercial.
if it does not but has  united states property on the frame (depending on when it was made could be on the left or right side-they moved it from the left to the right in 1918) then it is a military model. if the us prop mark has been removed, then value drops like a stone. for some reason removing this mark happened to alot of 1911's
3/22/2012 6:20:40 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
military or commercial? the militaries tend to get higher prices. does it have the words "government model" on the frame above serial number? if so it is commercial.
if it does not but has  united states property on the frame (depending on when it was made could be on the left or right side-they moved it from the left to the right in 1918) then it is a military model. if the us prop mark has been removed, then value drops like a stone. for some reason removing this mark happened to alot of 1911's


Based on what you said, it is a Military model. Very clearly marked.

3/22/2012 7:24:36 PM EDT
[#5]
You looking at buying it or selling it?

I have sworn off 1911s since I have reached my self imposed max of ten but allowed myself to make an exception for a GI gun once I find one for the right price.
3/23/2012 5:08:00 AM EDT
[#6]
Whether you are buying or selling, post some pictures and we can give you a better idea of what you are looking at.
Any advice given is going to be a ballpark figure, it might be totally off base.
3/23/2012 9:32:53 AM EDT
[#7]
All original with original barrel in good condition (not pitted), little to no finish but never sanded, maybe a tad over $1K. We'll have to get data on the barrel and see good pics to know for sure. I understand the allure of the M1911. Once you get inside and start to get an idea of the level of craftsmanship in the gun, you'll be amazed.
3/23/2012 1:45:31 PM EDT
[#8]
Thanks guys. The weapon is not mine, I know someone selling it.

And yes, 1911's are amazing. The most beautiful weapon I have ever owned was a black Wilson. At the moment I have 0 1911's, and the only one I would buy would be an old one.

I just ran across this one, and wondered about value. He is asking a lot, likely too much. But I figured I would come to the experts. I will get pictures this weekend. It seems to me, that IF everything i original, as he claims, he is still a bit high on his price.

So, no great bargain, as I had hoped.
3/23/2012 5:26:39 PM EDT
[#9]
Remember if you are buying 1911s built before 1947, the metallurgy is different.  
Full hard slides weren't made until 1947.  
Everything before then should be considered a collectible and shoot very little