Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Old 1911

CapnMidnight
Would you mind telling me what the price range is for an old 1911?
I want a shooter not a collectors piece. The numbers don't have to match, and is a gun show my best option?I look at guns here but mostly
they look new. Is there a web page for older guns out there? thanks
0

Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • CapnMidnight
    Would you mind telling me what the price range is for an old 1911?
    I want a shooter not a collectors piece. The numbers don't have to match, and is a gun show my best option?I look at guns here but mostly
    they look new. Is there a web page for older guns out there? thanks
    0
  • rufe-snow
    The serial number you have given, is in the range made by Springfield Armory in 1914. With that it a quite a uncommon pistol. Springfield only made something like 25,000+ in 1914 & 1915. Even at 60%, it would have quite a substantial value to a collector.

    Your comment about "no military markings", leads to misgivings though. It should have the ordnance bomb and eagle head inspection markings on either frame or slide.


    If there is a "C" prefix to the serial number, it's a commercial production pistol made in 1917. This would explain the lack of military markings.
    0
  • perry shooter
    Hello Capt. Rufe Snow has this correct as always and beat me to the punch . However I might add value is on if all parts and finish are original. we need each and every mark on barrel as well as with the slide removed from the frame we need to look around the disconnector hole to see what marks are there .If you want you can senfd pictures to karlwoerner@vatractor.com if you cant post here. "PRAISE THE HARD-BALL GUN"
    0
  • fordsix
    but does it have the springfield eagle on it??
    0
  • Hawk Carse
    Agree with the dating:
    If it has a "C" before the serial number, it is a commercial Colt from 1917.
    If it has "No" before the serial number it is a Springfield from 1914.

    If the latter, it should be plainly marked "Springfield Armory USA" on the left side of the slide. If it is marked Colt, then it is what is known as a "mixmaster" with slide replaced during overhaul.
    Also, it should be marked "United States Property" on the left side of the receiver.

    So far I am sure of:
    Colt slide made before the middle of 1914.
    High Standard WW II era barrel.
    A "CW" stamp in the inspector's mark location does not compute.
    0
  • CapnMidnight
    Thanks for all the info, the slide is marked Colts PT. F.A. MFG. CO. Hartford,CT. U.S.A. on the left side of the slide, right above the slide release lever. There is no letter prefix before the serial number.On the right side of the barrel right above where the link pin goes, is stamped HS, on the left side, just oposite is a P on the right side. The slide has four patent dates, APR. 20, 1897, SEPT. 9, 1902, DEC. 19, 1905, FEB. 14, 1911. There are no other markings on the slide. On top of the frame, right behind the mag well is an H and 2, in front of the hammer, on top of the frame is a D. On the left side of the frame, about 1/2" above the mag release is a small circle with a C and what looks like an M in it. The grip safety is the old short hand biter type, the hammer is short and has a small amount of checkering on the rear end of it. All parts look to have equal amounts of wear and patina. Thanks again for all the help, this further info may help.
    W.D.
    0
  • rufe-snow
    This photo is of the ordnance bomb proof mark on the frame of 1911's made at Springfield Armory. Compare to the marking on your pistol. Yours might have had extensively wear over the years.


    spring6.jpg




    From your description it appears that your pistol has been assembled from parts made by various different manufacturers, over and above the Colt made Slide.
    0
  • CapnMidnight
    Rufe,
    No ordinance bomd, small circle with C and what looks like a W.stamped over the C. I've been real busy with Hunters Safety and the Port this last week, I'll try to take some good pictures sunday and post a new thread. Freind has had the gun for 35 years, thinks it's the real deal, and wants to sell it, wants me to find out what it realy is, and what it's worth. He's been shooting it with a newer barrel, it'll go with the gun.
    Thanks again.
    W.D.
    0
  • perry shooter
    Hello Capt the H S on the barrel is at least a WW II replacement barrel and maybe even later. This in it self will hurt the vale but is not the end of the world. The Circle with maybe a C and maybe a W or M could be the monogram of either Walter G. Penfield or Walter Gordon however both of these Majors were inspectors at Colt Could the second digit of the serial be a 3 not a 2 if it is a 3 then it would be in the correct serial number range for colt The colt WW I inspectors all had 3 letters of their name "intials" inside a circle.If the serial number is correct as you posted then it is a MIS MATCH but still a military rebuild. This is what I think ; You have a WW I colt that was rebuilt in the time frame of 1935- WW II and at that time most of the frame markings were polished out along with the refinish it makes it very hard to read serial number etc The top of the frame was not polished at this time and the marks there convince me that it is a U.S. MILITARY frame and not a CLONE that was put together from parts. See if you can get pictures of all frame markings you might need to try many different lighting conditions to see what shows up best.
    0
  • CapnMidnight
    Perry Shooter,
    The serial number is very clear, and is as I stated. I'm inclined to agree with you about it being an arsenal rebuilt, Alvin York turned it in, they rebuilt it and gave it to Audie Murphy, after he got done with it, it was sold war supplus. Give me a WAG as to value if you will, I need to give this guy a ballpark figure befor he decides to have me list it or not.
    Thanks again for all the help.
    W.D.
    0
  • rufe-snow
    Per your description it's a well used 1911 parts gun. The only way it would have any value over and above a run of the mill "shooter" .45, would hinge on the value of the Springfield Armory frame, IMHO. My WAG is it would only have more value, ( $300-$500), then any "shooter .45 is if you could find somebody who needed the frame for restoration purposes, i.e. to make up a Springfield Armory .45 using all original parts.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity