1914 colt 1911

[TurboGTO]

So a local shop has a colt military 1911 manufactured in 1914 for sale that I'm very interested in. What should I be checking for before I purchase besides the obvious? I'm by no means an expert in antique arms, although I am interested in them. Any proof marks or other markings I should be looking for? Thanks, sorry if this is a dumb question. Also, what would a guesstimated value be of the said pistol in original condition with most of the original finish with average wear and slight pitting on the end of the slide?

[thebearpack]

An original 1914 in good condition will be worth quite a bit ($1500-2500 depending on condition, more if it's really mint). Problem is, a bubba'd or refinished 1914 takes a huge hit in value and can become a $750 shooter really quick.

First you'll have to check every small part to see if each is correct for the serial number. You'll also need to verify all the markings and make sure it's not an arsenal rebuild. That's the easy part as you can find all the info you need here at www.coolgunsite.com.

The next step - verifying original finish - is the tricky part though. Is it really original or an old reblue or an arsenal park job, etc.? Takes a practiced eye to know and that's what can cost you big time. If you can, go back and look at it again and snap some pictures paying attention to capturing the finish accurately, then post the pics at Culver's Forum in the 1911 section (http://www.jouster.com/forums/forumd...rvice-Pistols&) and you'll get expert opinions pretty quick.

Good luck.

[brian]

as already mentioned, this question is choked full of land mines. your ducks will need to be in a very straight row in order to not be taken on a ride.
if it is being offered for less then $900, it is a fairly safe buy regardless of condition, assuming it is all usgi.
if it is north of 1k, you'll need to know what vintage the parts are from, and that they are usgi. any non-usgi part is large red flag.
farther above 1k and you need to be sure how many parts are the correct vintage.
get into the above 1.5k, you'll need a book to verify things.

in short it's real easy to put too much money into one if you don't know what you're looking at.

is it blued or parkerized?

[TurboGTO]

Thanks bear pack. It is blued.

[NRA Recruiter]

My biggest concern would be does the slide match the frame. I was in a shop in days gone by and a customer was tickled pink about getting a WW II vintage 1911. The problem was that the frame was Essex and the slide was Remington Rand.

[TurboGTO]

Slide does match the frame from what I've seen so far. Going to do some more research tonight and take another look tomorrow after work.

[Greywolf]

Are you looking for a collector piece, or something to shoot? I ask because you should NOT shoot a 1911 that old.

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=60680

[TurboGTO]

Collector piece. I have plenty of other 1911s to shoot.

[WWGunslinger]

if you go by 1911s on gunbroker every single one worth $1500 or more, even the one that looks like someone beat the hell out of it with a hammer.

[TurboGTO]

I never go by asking prices on gunbroker. 80% of those firearms never sell.