1911 value
What would be a ballpark value on a Colt 70 Series 1911 Govt. Model, blue and NIB. Oh yeah, chambered for 9MM.
0
-
I know pictures would greatly help but I don't have any. I am asking for a friend of mine.
He has a Military issue 1911 that was manufactured in 1918, ser# is 269257. It has almost no finish left but everything seems to be nice and tight shoots very well.
He is just looking to get a ballpark on the value. Thanks in advance for the help.
I am looking at the gun now. It has the double diamond grips, H P on the barrel (the H at the back and the P in front). Other markings are United States Property on the front left side of the frame, circle with JM- inside (the JM- are one mark kind of like a brand) the rearing colt is on the left side behind the slide serrations. On the right side of the slide is Model of 1911. U.S. Army and on the right side of the frame is the serial number and no other markings that I can see.
By all outward appearances the gun is original as all of the parts that I can see appear to have the same patina and wear (I am guessing holster wear but that is just a guess as you could take what I know about these put it in a thimble and still have some room left).0 -
Pics are necessary to determine fair value. Because its a WWI relic, its potentially made by a half dozen manufacturers. Its like saying, I have a 57 chevy. What's it worth? Hope this offers some guidance. 0 -
Hello There is a VAST difference Between a 1911 pistol with hardly any finish but all original parts and one that has had a bunch or newer parts installed. Major parts that were replaced were the wooden Double Diamond grips and a barrel That has the correct H P proof marks. take a look at the barrel by looking at the part you can see from the ejection port with the slide closed. very small letter s HP. does this pistol have these marks. [?][?][?][?] 0 -
With barrel and grips most likely original it sound like this may be an all original model 1911, it would take a Hands on to be sure all small parts are also original. DO not try to refinish do not change out any parts . Collectors of Vintage 1911 pistols want condition JUST AS IS. I suspect with out pictures if surface is lacking finish Should be DULL BLACK but not pitted or showing any deep dings etc . Value would be $1000.00 + or - 0 -
While it's possible for the gun to be correct...if it was issued and saw many years of service with Uncle Sugar's conscripts...it's very unlikely that it's all original. You can be sure that something has been replaced at some point unless the pistol was "liberated" early on.
Be aware that the old ones are soft, and it's not really good to use them as shooters. A magaine full about once a year, on the anniversary of D-Day or the invasion of Iwo Jima or something...fine.
As a range beater? Not so much.
Look into the slide at the lugs. The Majority of the old pistols have deformed lugs from recoil. If they have a stair-stepped appearance on the rear face, the headspace is likely beyond acceptable limits. If the barrel's upper lugs have the same deformation on the front faces, excessive headspace is guaranteed.
If you must shoot it, reduced power handloads should be used. 200 grain bullets...preferably lead...with 3.5 grains of Bullseye is a good one, but even that should be limited.0 -
if you look closely, you will see the JM brand is actually JMG JM Gilbert who was an inspector from 1917-1918 which corresponds with the serial number. The rampant colt between the patent dates replaces the colt on the back of the slide. It was a 1918 revision (earlier models had the a circle around the colt) IT SHOWS IT IS A COLT, every other maker from the ERA had their own brand or stamp on this slide.
One thing you could look for is AA stamped into the front trigger guard on the left side. this would suggest an arsenal rework for WWII. it would include upgraded, arched main spring housing, brown checkered bakalite grips and a dull dark grey finish (parkerized) other parts may have been replaced depending on the armor who rebuilt it.
They usually do not have their original barrel.
It does sound like this gun is a survivor.
Based on all that, I would put the value between 1000-1300 depending on condition. Small defects can make a big difference. Black Army pistols are typically the least valuable of the WWI era because they all lose their finish. yours seems to be before that transition based on the colt location and the serial number prior to 312k0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
6 comments