Posted: 1/4/2014 7:08:57 PM EDT
|
Going to drive down to look at it tomorrow. Serial #381,xxx. Military model. From Colts web site it was made in 1918. They are asking $1100. Supposed to be in excellent condition. I know nothing about 1911's.
As long as it is in very good+ condition it's worth it right? What should I look for to make sure it's worth the money besides condition? Thanks |
|
It's literally an impossible task to tell you what to look for in a old GI 1911 in a brief post here. Collectors spend years learning the details.
You might start poking around here to see some of the details. At that price range, I'd check for a re-arsenal stamp like the letters "AA." Then I'd look for anything that looks non-standard. If it has a modern beavertail grip safety or tactical sights, for instance, it kills value. Same if the frame has been checkered or stippled. It should have walnut double-diamond grips like the ones in Black-Tiger's photo, and the long trigger, and if it was a GI pistol, it should have the "United States Property" stamp (some people ground those off out of fear of being accused of theft). In general, value is based on correctness and condition. If you can get decent pics--both sides, the barrel, the trigger, hammer, safety and slide stop, every stamping or mark on it--we can probably give you some real help determining how "right" it is. Good luck! |
|
The seller is a friend of a family member. They had eyes on the gun and called me about it. Honestly they wouldn't know what to look for. I can spot a refinish job somewhat and will check if numbers match. I wont know if a certain part is correct for that year and such but will get pics of my own and send them to someone who does more than I. I have other stuff to do down there so it won't be a wasted trip if it turns out to be junk. Same person has a 50cc quad for $300 I may buy for my little girl also. The sellers husband recently lost his job so they are motivated to sell quickly.
I'll take pics of any stamps, marks, numbers and have it checked by a friend that knows more about 1911's than myself before handing over the money. Thank you for the replies. |
|
Quoted:
It's literally an impossible task to tell you what to look for in a old GI 1911 in a brief post here. Collectors spend years learning the details. You might start poking around here to see some of the details. At that price range, I'd check for a re-arsenal stamp like the letters "AA." Then I'd look for anything that looks non-standard. If it has a modern beavertail grip safety or tactical sights, for instance, it kills value. Same if the frame has been checkered or stippled. It should have walnut double-diamond grips like the ones in Black-Tiger's photo, and the long trigger, and if it was a GI pistol, it should have the "United States Property" stamp (some people ground those off out of fear of being accused of theft). In general, value is based on correctness and condition. If you can get decent pics--both sides, the barrel, the trigger, hammer, safety and slide stop, every stamping or mark on it--we can probably give you some real help determining how "right" it is. Good luck! Thanks for the link.. Some great info on there. I downloaded a ton of pics of the correct markings and parts for that year |
|
Quoted:
No such thing as matching numbers only number is on the frame. This is the deep end of the pool. You need to make sure all the parts are correct not refinished no rebuild marks and most importantly that the us property mark on the frame is intact I sort of figured that out after doing some reading/looking at pics on the link provided. I'll have my lap top with all the photos and descriptions I found there for a 1918 Military 1911 with me 
I've learned more in the last few hours about 1911's, than the last 35+ years of shooting. I've shot a 1911 a total of once in those years.(Kimber) My daily CCW has serial#'s on the frame. slide and barrel. |
|
Be very careful, Rooster, and think this through very carefully! The Surgeon General has determined that old 1911s are as addictive as nicotine or crack cocaine. You might think you can handle it--that this would be just a nice little addition to the gun collection. But in a few years, when you find yourself pimpin' your wife to come up with money for a K-stamped 1924 barrel, you may well rue the day you drove 2 hours for your first taste.
Before you get started, make sure you already have your kids' tuition money saved up and secured someplace where you can't get to it. In all seriousness, also be aware that these old 1911s aren't really the best daily "shooters" due to partial hardening of the slides. I still shoot my old ones on occasion, but inspect and maintain them carefully and stick with low-powered ammo for the oldest or rarest. |