rare? 1911 question

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - rare? 1911 question

Posted: 3/1/2006 9:07:33 PM EDT

anyone ever seen a early 1911 that has is in nickle?

stamped:

Colt...
3 dates, first is 1905, last is 1913. Finish is about 90%.
United States Army...
was owned by a 90 year old USAF Vet who can't provide details due to his mental state

Posted: 3/2/2006 4:50:33 AM EDT

[#1]

Sounds like an ex-Army 1911 that got the VFW treatment. A lot of vets had their souvenirs Nickel plated. Low maintenance finish that sadly lowers its collectibility. I know there are some shops that specialize in deplating but, I have no idea of what associated costs would end up being.

HTH

Blitz

Posted: 3/2/2006 5:03:53 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Sounds like an ex-Army 1911 that got the VFW treatment. A lot of vets had their souvenirs Nickel plated. Low maintenance finish that sadly lowers its collectibility. I know there are some shops that specialize in deplating but, I have no idea of what associated costs would end up being.

HTH

Blitz

best info on the nickle that i've got yet. An old USAF Vet had it fo 60 years
stamped US Army

Posted: 3/2/2006 6:10:15 AM EDT

[#3]

I've seen a few bright nickel 1911 pistols. I understand that the US military did not issue any nickel models and most were ceremonial pieces.

I've seen a few Garands and 1903's with the same treatment.

Posted: 3/2/2006 8:58:02 AM EDT

[#4]

good purchase for under $1000???

Posted: 3/2/2006 9:41:27 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
good purchase for under $1000???

Well under $1000.

Posted: 3/2/2006 1:20:05 PM EDT

[#6]

Impossible to say. If it is a non-mil nickle finish, it has lost much of its value. JAWAG--$400 if it works.

Posted: 3/2/2006 1:41:43 PM EDT

[#7]

I've seen a lot of 1911s with the nickel finish.
Another poster called that the "vfw treatment" - very fitting term.

Posted: 3/2/2006 8:30:44 PM EDT

[#8]

even with a three digit serial number?

Posted: 3/2/2006 9:13:06 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
even with a three digit serial number?

This pistol may have great sentimental value, but real world figures would put it in the $350. to $500. range for most buyers. It was probably worth the most to the man that held on to it for 60 years.

All of my guns are worth more to me than I could sell them for.

Posted: 3/2/2006 9:20:09 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
Quoted:
even with a three digit serial number?

This pistol may have great sentimental value, but real world figures would put it in the $350. to $500. range for most buyers. It was probably worth the most to the man that held on to it for 60 years.

All of my guns are worth more to me than I could sell them for.

+1

guess i didn't get the steal i thought i got . I figured that a three digit, Colt US Army 1911 had to be pretty rare. I guess i will still enjoy my new piece of history

Posted: 3/4/2006 5:03:21 AM EDT

[#11]

nothing else...? 1911 noobie here

Posted: 3/4/2006 5:23:16 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
nothing else...? 1911 noobie here

Have you tried posting at 1911forum.com? Link below:

forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=45&f=30

The link above will take you to the USGI section of the site.

Posted: 3/4/2006 5:51:01 AM EDT

[#13]

Thanks for the link hellhound

Quoted:
Impossible to say. If it is a non-mil nickle finish, it has lost much of its value. JAWAG--$400 if it works.

???- its not on the list

Posted: 3/4/2006 11:14:36 AM EDT

[#14]

Just
A
Wild
Ass
Guess

Posted: 3/4/2006 11:53:11 AM EDT

[#15]

Personaly, I wouldnt buy it, but if you wanted it, $500 would be ok to pay for it since it is a real USGI 45 auto, and it does work. Being pimped out takes away from the collectability, but it still is a pistol. The equivalent in very good original condition would probably cost about $1300 or so.

Posted: 3/4/2006 11:18:05 PM EDT

[#16]

Hate to say it, but my book on 1911’s puts 3 digit Colts being manufactured in 1912.

Which means your 1913 dated slide is a mis-match (though very possibly a result of an armory re-work).

Still, being a 3 digit might give it some collector’s value (though the nickel finish really, really hurts!). And USGI 1911’s in general have skyrocketed in price.

So while you most likely paid too much, maybe it isn’t all that bad.

Assuming the refinishing didn’t mess up the underlying metal too badly, it might actually be worth restoring.

You really should discuss this with the guys at 1911forum.com. Suggest you give them all the markings (both written and symbols) exactly as they appear. Also describe the grips, magazine and any visible wear or damage.

Wish you luck!!

Posted: 3/5/2006 5:30:22 AM EDT

[#17]

thanks to all who have responded so far. I will post pics when i can and an update
thanks again.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - rare? 1911 question

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