Colt 1911

[raljr1]

Picked this up today from a fellow club member. I paid $1500. Thinking maybe I overpaid a bit. Gun is in very nice shape, but has been nickel or chrome plated. Not sure if the holster is legitimate or a copy. I dont think the magazine is from the same period.

Please give me your opinions. I am okay with what I paid, just want to get some opinions on true value and if the accessories are correct

I could send this off to be restored, but i like nickel guns...

The gun has a full serial number in the 27xxxx range that I erased from the photo.

Robert

 

[stansdds]

No need in trying to have it restored to original, it would cost far more than it would ever be worth. Typically, these refinished 1911's had finish wear and often a little rust before they were refinished, so they usually got a pretty good polishing, which altered the sharp edges and roll marks, so striping the plating and rebluing will result in an obvious refinish. I say keep it as-is.


If you plan on shooting it, definitely install a new recoil spring. I would also recommend fresh firing pin and main springs too. Coil springs do weaken with repeated compression and decompression cycles. I also would not shoot hot ammo in it nor would I shoot it a whole lot. The steel in the original 1911 is not hardened and the slide takes the worst of the beating. Cracks at the area where the recoil spring tunnel meets the body of the slide and around the ejection port are somewhat common. A cracked slide is a dangerous slide. When these were developed, the U.S. Army stipulated a 5000 round service life for the slide. They will certainly survive 5000 rounds, but how much beyond that is anybody's guess.

 

[silicosys4]

True value is in the $750-$900 range. It is not a good shooter as was already mentioned because of the heat treatment on the slide, or lack thereof,
any collectors value has been destroyed by the refinishing.

 

[moosedog]

Many WWII vets chromed or nickeled their bring back weapons after the war. That is what you have, a good representative of that time period. I would leave it as is.

 

[Baxter6551]

No expert here but isn’t that a WWI 1911 ? I can’t read the date on the holster.

 

[raljr1]

No expert here but isn’t that a WWI 1911 ? I can’t read the date on the holster.

The only number on the holster is 44

Serial number lookup shows that this is a WWI piece from 1918

Robert

 

[Xfuzz]

Holster and belt are after 1918...(WWI).
15 Bens....little high.
The buffing wheel was a little hard on it.

 

[cololab]

Pistol belt and holster are WW2, and in what appear to be very nice condition. Check the usual auction sites; the holster is probably in the $100-$150 range, the belt $25-$50.

 

[AudieMurphy]

This is one thing I know for sure is 1911's...Cant really tell from the pic's if the plating did that much damage to the "straw" or origonal surface. Usually an inexperience plater will buff the serations down on the slide to where the sharp edges are flat....and thats bad....again cant see that from the pic's. This is a WWI type...I'd say 1500 is a little overpriced but not too bad as long as its the origonal guts. geez, an origonal barrel is going for 3/4 bills in half descent shape. and grips another 2/3 on condition. Sadly,Ive seen people strip em and sell for parts on really worn out guns

 

[silicosys4]

This is one thing I know for sure is 1911's...Cant really tell from the pic's if the plating did that much damage to the "straw" or origonal surface. Usually an inexperience plater will buff the serations down on the slide to where the sharp edges are flat....and thats bad....again cant see that from the pic's. This is a WWI type...I'd say 1500 is a little overpriced but not too bad as long as its the origonal guts. geez, an origonal barrel is going for 3/4 bills in half descent shape. and grips another 2/3 on condition. Sadly,Ive seen people strip em and sell for parts on really worn out guns

People ask the moon on places like Ebay. There are refinished ww2 Colt 1911 slides listed with a Buy It Now price more than a service grade CMP 1911, $1600+. Doesn't mean they are going to get it. There are also complete USGI 1911's on Ebay minus frame for under $600, including USGI barrel, slide, and all small parts. I just bought a very nice H.S. barrel for $150 on Ebay, which is a more realistic selling price.

The high dollar small parts on the OP's gun have already been ruined by plating. The barrel is the only thing left on that gun that might have any value for originality and its probably a replacement as well.