Replica or original

[pwtyddlewyddle]

We just picked up a Colt 1911 US Army 45 and I am trying to figure out if it is a replica or the real thing, any way to figure that out?

[Hunter]

Serial number will be the definitive answer without pictures. Many references can tell you or you can call Colt 1 800 962 Colt directly and they can tell you.

[pwtyddlewyddle]

Serial number will be the definitive answer without pictures. Many references can tell you or you can call Colt 1 800 962 Colt directly and they can tell you.
We were on one of the sights that were on a response you had to Tolly and his gifts. I went to sightm1911.com and checked out some of the history. We have the Augusta Arsenal rebuild stamp. We also have the inspector stamp but it was a little hard to see "JMG" It is also stamped with "United States Property" and the stamp "Model of 1911 US ARMY" The Serial number says No. 279266. From what I have found it looks like it was manufactured in 1918 or so. Am I right? And if so, what would something like this be worth? I have no clue.

[okcorral1881]

It is also stamped with "United States Property" and the stamp "Model of 1911 US ARMY" The Serial number says No. 279266. From what I have found it looks like it was manufactured in 1918 or so. Am I right? And if so, what would something like this be worth? I have no clue.

Hi, I cannot help you with the exact value of your gun but if you look down on this same page, you will see other posts with 1918 1911s. There are great pictures and infos posted by other members...also if you can post a picture that will greatly help the gentlemen wishing to help you out.

OK

[Hunter]

I agree with you on the 1918 manufacture date. To value it would be difficult especially for me as I am no expert. Condition, finish, and correct parts will play a big role in value. You can go to gunbroker and find 1918 Colt 1911s going all different amounts. I would reckon starting value could start at $1200 in good shape and most everything being correct and easily go up from there. It isn't something I would be looking to sell if I were you. Old Colts are a part of history (in any condition) and in my opinion should not be parted with.

[pwtyddlewyddle]

We agree. We got an amazing buy, don't think the guy knew what he had. Picked it up for a fourth of what you mentioned for possible value. Thanks for the info.

[bgiven]

I think $1200 for an arsenal rebuild is a stretch..... $800 to $1000 may be a little mor realistic from what I see in the market.

But one thing is for sure......

:wl:

[Hunter]

I have seen several arsenal rebuilt Colts in Raleigh/Garner area go for $1200+ in good shape. This past Raleigh gunshow had many also at that price range. I have learned it is worth what the market will bear in that area

[bgiven]

Hunter, Thats terrific.... I hope they go even higher. Maybe now people are realizing the historical place that arsenal rebuilds occupy. Of course asking prices, and selling prices can be two different things. OK GUYS..... ALL THOSE ARSENAL GUNS THAT ARE SELLING ON GB AND AA ARE UNDERVALUED....LETS BUY THEM UP AND GIVE THEM THE HOMES THAT THEY DESERVE......!

[Hunter]

There is a good market for Colt 1911s in this area. I stopped in a gun store in Garner a few months ago and there was a 1918 Colt 1911 with the AA arsenal rebuild stamp but the pistol looked great. I was looking at it through the glass, I turned around to ask to see it and someone was already paying for it. It sold for $1250. PDHSC in Garner keeps a few old Colts (not all 1911s) and has a Remington Rand Arsenal rebuild in the case as of Saturday. I cannot remember the price but it is a little pricey. I did see a few Colt 1911s at the Saturday under $1200 some under a $1000 but they were a little rough and some of them were not totally correct. I love the old Colt 1911s but I only have 1 a 1918 arsenal rebuild. 1911Tuner has told me a few times you should not shoot the old Colts as much because the steel is not as hard as the steel in today's pistols due to the old technology. Once I get my fill of Gold Cups I will get a few more just to have them.

[okcorral1881]

Once I get my fill of Gold Cups

Are you REALLY serious...

[Hunter]

Are you REALLY serious...
Probably not but I have to tell myself something. :D I like to collect all Colts and have right many Colt 1911s that are not Gold Cups but the Gold Cups really do it for me. If I pay $1000+ for a pistol I have to be able to shoot it without the thought of ruining the collectabality (I reckon that is a word) of it. I hope to get to the point one day where I can spend that kind of money on a Colt that will just sit in my safe but for now I have to be able to shoot it.

[okcorral1881]

Probably not but I have to tell myself something. I like to collect all Colts and have right many Colt 1911s that are not Gold Cups but the Gold Cups really do it for me. If I pay $1000+ for a pistol I have to be able to shoot it without the thought of ruining the collectabality (I reckon that is a word) of it. I hope to get to the point one day where I can spend that kind of money on a Colt that will just sit in my safe but for now I have to be able to shoot it.

Hi Hunter,

There is a post on the Colt forum that I think should be moved to the pre 1945 19911's. It is not getting enough attention there by the right people...the post says...WWII military issue Canadian Colt 1911.

Did OD* get the price for the Commader? I would like to have it just for comparison purpose.(if it's a 80 series)

[Johnny Peppers]

The Colts shipped to Canada were Government Models, as the commercial version of the 1911 was known. Someone else can figure out where it goes since it was a commercial issued to their military.

[pwtyddlewyddle]

Thanks, gents. We appreciate your input. Looking around some of the sites & info yall have provided, I'm certain this is an arsenal rebuild (AA) of a 1918 Army model. We wholeheartedly agree this is a piece of US history & our personal history (we're all Soldiers & Marines going way-way back). We've definitely decided to keep this one for our great-grandchildren!

[Joni Lynn]

Hunter? Get serious!! Get your fill of Gold Cups..........how ludicrous!
I used to have a lot of them, they took up too much room and all I can say is that I still haven't had my fill of them. I did however cut down to the 6 current ones that I have now. I like the ones that shoot really really well, and the 1962 issue one shoots quite well for a factory gun.

[OD*]

Did OD* get the price for the Commader? I would like to have it just for comparison purpose.(if it's a 80 series)
Gun sold, guess who? ;)

[Joni Lynn]

Guess Who? Good group I still have some of their record albums....... ( ;) Y ;) )

[Hunter]

Hunter? Get serious!! Get your fill of Gold Cups..........how ludicrous!
I used to have a lot of them, they took up too much room and all I can say is that I still haven't had my fill of them. I did however cut down to the 6 current ones that I have now. I like the ones that shoot really really well, and the 1962 issue one shoots quite well for a factory gun.
Joni I really didn't figure anyone would buy that. I have another on it's way as we speak (thanks OD). I hope to have it mid next week and when I have it I will post a few pictures I promise. This one is going to be pretty special for me.

[OD*]

You're welcome my friend.

It was great finally getting talking with you too.

[Joni Lynn]

What is it?...........details man we gots to have da details!!!!!

[Hunter]

I was waiting to post pictures of the Colt once I had it in my hands but I do have the pictures OD's buddy sent me that convinced me to buy the Colt.OD found me this Colt when okcorral1881 posted a thread about a Gold Cup Commander. OD said the store he works at has one and since okcorral1881 is in Canada and could not buy it I asked OD to get me a price and he did. I talked with another fella at the store and he was really helpful and twisted my arm with a few pictures. I could not turn this one down. She ships out Monday and I hope to have it around mid week. a Colt Gold Cup National Match Commander. LNIB stainless finish. I have been wanting a Commander with a steel frame for some time and this one being a Gold Cup I took it as a sign from God. I cannot wait to have her all to myself. I will get better pictures of her once she gets here. I owe it all to OD and Howard :D
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/Hunter1911/DSC01168.jpg

[TriumphGT6]

I don't think I've ever seen this AA arsenal rebuild stamp everyone's writing about. Where is it, and can anyone post a pic?

[OD*]

I owe it all to OD and Howard
A finders fee bill will arrive at your home shortly. ;)

[OD*]

I don't think I've ever seen this AA arsenal rebuild stamp everyone's writing about. Where is it, and can anyone post a pic?
http://www.coolgunsite.com/images/1911/1919AA/1919%20C18.jpg

Can be found on either side of the pistol.

[Phil]

I was waiting to post pictures of the Colt once I had it in my hands but I do have the pictures OD's buddy sent me that convinced me to buy the Colt.OD found me this Colt when okcorral1881 posted a thread about a Gold Cup Commander. OD said the store he works at has one and since okcorral1881 is in Canada and could not buy it I asked OD to get me a price and he did. I talked with another fella at the store and he was really helpful and twisted my arm with a few pictures. I could not turn this one down. She ships out Monday and I hope to have it around mid week. a Colt Gold Cup National Match Commander. LNIB stainless finish. I have been wanting a Commander with a steel frame for some time and this one being a Gold Cup I took it as a sign from God. I cannot wait to have her all to myself. I will get better pictures of her once she gets here. I owe it all to OD and Howard :D
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/Hunter1911/DSC01168.jpgI was just wondering today if you had ever bought that Gold Cup Commander.......... Wow, another really nice one - Congrats.

[Hunter]

Thank you Phil. She turned out to be about the most expensive Colt I have bought but I have no regrets.

[Phil]

Thank you Phil. She turned out to be about the most expensive Colt I have bought but I have no regrets.And I'm sure that you never will. A quality collection of carefully selected Colts like yours brings more satisfaction than money. And, since they'll appreciate in value, you're not really spending money - you're simply re-allocating your assets.