1911 info please

[James Appel]

When my dad died he left me his 1911 that he purchased through some government sale through the NRA (I think it cost him like $20-$25 so you can guess how long ago that was). I have resisted making any mods to the gun, and remains pretty much like he purchased it (although a bit more used)

Can someone tell me what year it was manufactured etc.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j143/JamesAppel/1911-2.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j143/JamesAppel/1911.jpg

[Johnny Peppers]

What is the serial number? Looks like it is in the 90,000 range.

[Phil]

I'm no expert on war guns, but I've been bitten by the bug recently and am trying to learn. Yours looks like an original 1911, not the later A1 model, and the serial number of 88673 seems to match a Colt production of 11,600 pistols shipped between Aug 19, 1913 and July 20, 1914.

You can try http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

Also see:http://www.sightm1911.com/

Guns made for these production runs were all stamped UNITED STATES PROPERTY on the frame. The slide carried the inscription MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY.

Also, take a look at: http://www.colt45s.com/ for familiarization. Just scroll down on this page for some descriptions and pictures of guns similar to yours.

In any case, yours looks like a very nice gun, and you've been smart to keep it as original as possible.

[James Appel]

What is the serial number? Looks like it is in the 90,000 range.


Serial number is 98673

[Hunter]

That number falls in the 1914 year range. The AA stamp I believe means it was rebuilt at the Augusta Arsenal in Augusta Ga. Phil is correct it is a 1911 not an A1 Very nice Colt and you can bet she is worth a good deal more than $25 today.
http://proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

[Johnny Peppers]

Your Colt serial No.98673 was originally shipped October 6, 1914 to the Ordnance Officer, Recruit Depot, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, in a shipment of 750 pistols.
The original finish would have been Colt oven blue with diamond checkered wood grips. Your pistol has been back through Augusta Arsenal for rebuild where it received a phosphate finish and Keyes plastic grips. The thumb safety appears to be a 1911A1 style. It is very typical of the pistols sold through the DCM to NRA members.

[Phil]

Oh, 98673. That's what I get for blowing up the picture and trying to read the serial number. Why didn't I think of just asking what the serial number was? :butthead: :D

[James Appel]

Any idea as to what a gun like this is worth (aprox)... Just wondering?

[r0gue]

Any idea as to what a gun like this is worth (aprox)... Just wondering?

I'd be willing to double your money! ;)

[bgiven]

The slide is WWI, but for a much later serial number range....1918-1919. Note the shape of the recoil spring housing and the position of the Rampant Colt.

It is not unusual to see a clean Arsenal Rebuild to fetch $1000.- these days.

[AKsRule]

Oh Dear Lord.

DONT Change or Modify anything on that pistol :nono:

I've seen original 1911s & A1s in Crappy shape go for near $1k

Treat it and clean it gently. :D