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Colt Model 1911 U.S. Navy No ***

threerhci
I have a Colt 1911 Navy that I know was delivered to the U.S. Navy Yard at Brooklyn, NY on March 7th 1912. Is there any value in spending the $100.00 to get an archive letter from Colt for this pistol. Would such a letter provide any more info other than basic specs and the delivery date that you can already find online. I am also looking for an honest and accurate appraisal as to the present value of the Colt. Thank you in advance for your input.
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7 comments

Date Votes
  • nmyers
    I assume that you already know that your gun has original finish & parts. If it has been substantially altered, any expertizing will be a waste of money.

    You are correct about the limited data for your gun in a Colt historical letter; I don't think that it is worthwhile for this kind of gun.

    I suggest that you check your serial # on the Springfield Research Service website. If they have any information on your gun, they will send you a letter that is more valuable than Colt's, & at a more reasonable price.

    I don't know who appraises M1911s, but you might try Scott Duff (www.scott-duff.com) for starters. You can get other opinions on the Culver Shooting Page M1911/1911A1 forum (www.jouster.com).

    Neal
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  • Bert H.
    Hello threerhci...

    At Little John's November 2003 auction, I was bidding on a U.S. Navy marked Colt 1911 (1913 DOM), and eventually quit at $3500... the bidding stopped (sold) at a ludicrous $6250 (before taxes and the 10% buyers premium[V]). I graded the condition of that gun at 85-90% (for anyone who still has the auction catalog, it was item 818). What condition is your U.S. Navy Colt 1911 in[?]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • Xracer
    Assuming the gun is all original here are the Blue Book values of a "MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY":

    98% - $2,800
    95% - $1,950
    90% - $1,700
    80% - $1,375

    For serial # under 3,500, add 100%.

    That's the Blue Book value. However, original Navy 1911s in decent condition are very desireable to collectors, and, IMO, those prices are well below what a good one will bring.
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  • threerhci
    quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
    Hello threerhci...

    At Little John's November 2003 auction, I was bidding on a U.S. Navy marked Colt 1911 (1913 DOM), and eventually quit at $3500... the bidding stopped (sold) at a ludicrous $6250 (before taxes and the 10% buyers premium[V]). I graded the condition of that gun at 85-90% (for anyone who still has the auction catalog, it was item 818). What condition is your U.S. Navy Colt 1911 in[?]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • threerhci
    quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
    Hello threerhci...
    Hello Bert,

    Thank you for the information. I am not an expert on the 1911, I recieved it from my uncle upon his death. It was his sidearm when he flew an F4U Corsair in WWII. I am told by people who have viewed digital photos that it is in excellent condition. I was also told that this gun was in the first delivery of 500 to the U.S. Navy Shipyards in Brooklyn, NY. on March 7, 1912. Again, thank your for your input.

    Ralph W.


    At Little John's November 2003 auction, I was bidding on a U.S. Navy marked Colt 1911 (1913 DOM), and eventually quit at $3500... the bidding stopped (sold) at a ludicrous $6250 (before taxes and the 10% buyers premium[V]). I graded the condition of that gun at 85-90% (for anyone who still has the auction catalog, it was item 818). What condition is your U.S. Navy Colt 1911 in[?]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • Bert H.
    Hello Ralph...

    Based on the additional information that you have provided, if it were mine to insure, I would value it at $7,500. I don't know if you could sell it for that much, but based on what I observed at Little John's November firearms auction, it would not be out of the question[V]. I really hate the fact that the U.S. Navy marked 1911s have gotten so stinking expensive... I really want one (I am retired Navy), but NOT at that price[:(!]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • nmyers
    I am still skeptical. VERY few all-original M1911's were issued during WWII; most were rebuilds. It may be in excellent condition, but whether or not it is all original is another question.

    Neal

    "Trust, but verify." --- Ronald Reagan
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