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Proper Colt 1911A1 PHOTO'S POSTED!!!

MOONED
So I've found a TOTALLY proper 1911, produced in 1943. It is in superb condition with absolutely no evidence of any refinishing. Other than minor handling marks, the pistol is in near perfect condition. Stamped on the left hand side behind the trigger is "GHD", which I would like to confirm is correct for 1943 production? On the inside of the slide, there is no evidence of this pistol being fired, NONE! No discoloration, no "head-space" stamping.. Before you ask, I have no pictures since it is for sale at a local gun store. The asking price is $1,900.00.

In the short description I have given, what would the possible "true" value of a 1911 in this condition be, and is the "GHD" correct for a 1943 production COLT?

PICTURES NOW INCLUDED
I do not have the best camera and the pictures are not as good as I wished. I hope they are acceptable.

Reply to the latest reply:
Iwannausername....I may never know how she shoots....Aaron


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Thanks,

Aaron
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    GHD = Guy H. Drewry. He was a military officer who was a Government inspector at Colt during the war years.

    $1,900 although it seems high to me, apparently it's in the ballpark for pistols in the condition you describe.
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  • nmyers
    First, it's a 1911A1, not a 1911.

    Second, since you can't give us photos until after you get it home, at least get a written guarantee that will allow you to return it in a reasonable period if not totally correct.

    Third, you failed to give us the serial number or the barrel markings, making it more difficult to respond to your question, so the information below is not 100%.

    To answer your question directly, I would expect a 1943 gun to sell in the $2,000-2,500 range if in 99-100% condition. Things to look for before you bite:
    --barrel should be blue with COLT .45 AUTO on left side near lug
    --front 1 1/2" of slide should be dark from heat treatment
    --grips should be type 2 Coltwood with ribs
    --ramp should be polished with faint horizontal striations
    --with a 10x magnifier, you should see some bare metal within the letters of the GHD inspectors stamp
    --serial number under the recoil plate should match the frame
    --the grip screw bushings should have staking marks that are bright metal

    Neal

    EDIT:
    Colt_M1911A1_20.jpg
    ColtM1911A18-1.jpg

    EDIT: It looks righteous to me. Congratulations, you did well.
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  • mark christian
    GHD is the correct marking and $1900 price is certainly within reason for a totally correct example in the condition you describe. It is important to remember with guns of this type that they are sold as collectors items, sold to collectors and sold at collector prices, every sale being basically a retail sale since the gun can never be replaced by the dealer (it is highly unlikely he has a crate of Colts like that one). If you look at a 99% condition gun that number actually means that out of 10,000 pistols you'll only find 100 better examples. It appears that you have found one of those 100 and how much are you willing to spend to own a Colt which will be superior to 9,900 of it's brothers of the same age? A few years ago when people actually had money a Colt like that one in 98% condition probably would have sold for $1500 and one in the condition you describe would ahve been $2000+ The problem is that no one has any money now, the collector market is soft and guns like this are hard to sell. While it is worth $1900 I doubt a local shop will ever sell it at that price and you might make him a cash offer. The market will rebound at some point and if you could snag that Colt now at a good price you will have made a very nice investment.

    All of the above only applies if the pistol is indeed totally correct and in the virtual perfect condition you describe. You are being your own expert as to it's originality of the pistol since we have only minimal and very basic information about the pistol.
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  • MOONED
    Thank you both for the information. Neal, I do concur, it is a 1911A1. For whatever reason, when I think Colt wartime (be it WWI or WWII), I automatically think only "1911". Regarding you questions, below is my answers.
    The barrel is blue, but I did not look for markings of "Colt .45 Auto".
    I do not notice a difference in coloration on the slide where heat treating may be evident. I will investigate when Ilook at it later today.
    Grips are correct.
    Inside the inspectors stamp, do appear to have a "shine" with a magnifier, which is what makes me believe the finish to be original. Also, the rampant Colt as well as all markings on the slide are extremely "crisp" which makes me also think the finish to be original. The crossed cannon on the right side of the frame at the rear of the grips is extremely crisp as well.
    Your last two points I was not aware of. Please explain, serial number under recoil plate & staking marks on grip screw bushings.
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  • perry shooter
    With the serial number we will be able to tell you what type of finish the pistol SHOULD have the picture of the rear of the slide with firing pin retainer That Nmyers posted show the matching number type that May or may not be on your pistol depending again on serial number. There were many changes made during the war production and if you buy pistol with a return policy you need to post pictures of all markings on the top of frame with slide removed as well as all markings on the sides of frame and picture of the roll stamp of the slide. The grip screw bushing were installed after frame was finished so when they staked the punch would leave marks were the finish should be bare metal with no finish. The closer to 100 % finish on a 60+ year old military pistol the more likely that someone along the way has refinished /restored it. be very careful before plunking down your money. Not trying to say if is faked just saying be very very careful. If it is correct and you pass you will kick yourself for years but if you get taken in by a fake you will kick yourself until you die.

    EditEmail sent I don't see any red flags [:D][^]
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  • MOONED
    After looking more closely at the pistol this afternoon, and using the information which was provided by Neal, I was able to notice a few things that I had overlooked.
    The slide does have a ever-so-slightly darker coloration on the muzzle end for about the last 1-1/2". Also, the grip screw bushings do have a unfinished look compared to the surrounding areas. Another thing, the barrel is a Colt barrel marked COLT .45 AUTO as described by Neal.
    Even the extreme "tip" of the barrel and muzzle have NO wear in any way. I honestly think this is the absolute best example I have put my eyes on. After much internal debate (to say the least), I made the purchase. I was able to make the buy for an even seventeen hundred (tax included). I will try to get some pictures tomorrow afternoon and post them on a new topic.

    Oh, also the serial number for the pistol is 1140490. This was previously requested, so there you go.

    Neal, Rufe & Mark, as always, thanks so much for the education you continue to provide us "youngsters". I have learned a tremendous amount by asking questions on this site over the past few years. The insight I continue to receive is very helpful and I cannot say how much I truly appreciate it.

    In His service,

    Aaron
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  • iwannausername
    So how does she shoot? :)
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