1911 - What's it worth

[cruzans]

Debating - can anyone share "real" value on this 1911. All original except mag. Non arsenal refinish ? Serial 386xxx
Thanks!

[IrocGuns]

awesome colt! serial number would indicate 1918 gov't contract I think, looks to be in wonderful condition. I don't know much about valuation on these old 1911's but assuming my reading of the age from proofhouse is correct as a refinish maybe $1200? Not sure. Original finish in that kind of condition are bringing like $3000 and up on gunbroker history. I did recently pass up a nickeled 1918 with heavy pitting for $700

[thebearpack]

I agree with IrocGuns' values. Can't say for sure from the pic if it's refinished or not but figure $1200 if refinished and $2500+ if original. Black army finish started around 400,000 and tends to bring less than the earlier brushed blue. That gun doesn't look like a patina-ed blue but I'm not sure.

[cruzans]

I'm torn. It does appear to be patina-ed. Has original grips or at least old wood - not composite 1911 grips. Seller says it has not been refinished or rearsenaled. 1911 not A1. Looked up on Colts sight and says 1918 1911 military.

[ianb1116]

My grandfather's 1913 dated 1911 was appraised at about $4k. Bluing is very thin. Can't see the pic as I'm at work but hope that helps!

[thebearpack]

My grandfather's 1913 dated 1911 was appraised at about $4k. Bluing is very thin. Can't see the pic as I'm at work but hope that helps!

1913 vintage 1911s are a whole different animal... people will pay top dollar for early original guns in the factory blue. Remember too that 1918s are the most common and "black army" basically means "expedited cheap-o finish".

Cruzans, if you can get better pictures - preferably in natural light though that may be hard - I can help you determine if it's original finish or not.

[cruzans]

Here's the only other pic I have right now with the wood grips taken off. I looked up the grips online just for chuckles and the only wood original ones I found were asking $400. I have been told conservatively 90% of WWII's 1911's were refinished between WWII and Korean war. Once they were, grips were replaced with the composite ones and an arched msh added along with a short trigger. If that's the case, and this one is original, I would think that would add some value ? I'm not ultra concerned about getting the "best" or "most valuable" - I'm just interested in a nice piece of history and a good price. Thanks!

1913 vintage 1911s are a whole different animal... people will pay top dollar for early original guns in the factory blue. Remember too that 1918s are the most common and "black army" basically means "expedited cheap-o finish".

Cruzans, if you can get better pictures - preferably in natural light though that may be hard - I can help you determine if it's original finish or not.

[NathanB]

This is bullshit. You know the rules. You pst about it then you buy it before anyone can say anything. Mrs cruzans please give your husband back your keyboard and stop fucking with us.

[cruzans]

lol - usually the case. But I don't know enough about these to know value, it's almost Christmas so will be spending a lot, and believe it or not, I gotta slow down on the gun purchases - did I just say that out loud ??!! I trust the seller 100% but know even being knowledgeable - it's tough to accurately give a real value....

This is bullshit. You know the rules. You pst about it then you buy it before anyone can say anything. Mrs cruzans please give your husband back your keyboard and stop fucking with us.

[thebearpack]

That's a tough call but I'm more of an A1 guy myself and the finishes on WWI pieces aren't my strong suit, especially with only a couple pics. Sometimes on original guns you can see the machining marks which on the grip area are vertical and then go horizontal along the frame leaving a distinct line near the mag release. There's also another spot you can check to see if it's been refinished but I'd rather not post that on a public forum to help humpers. If the price is right and you're considering it, shoot me a PM.