1911 Colt 45

[fredflintstone]

I have a 1911 Colt 45 pistol with no model or serial numbers. The gun is in excellent condition. The gun is not for sale.....not for sale. Does anyone have any opinions are the value of such an item? I believe this is referred as the "Luncheon box pistols". No parts changed....definitely everything is original.

[Johnny Peppers]

It was very common for Model 1911 pistols that were brought home to have the markings removed and refinished. Bad juju to possess handgun with altered or removed serial number.

[fredflintstone]

It is a known fact that some pistols were removed from the Colt's factory before the serial number was stamped on them. These are called "Luncheon box pistols" since this was the method workers used to sneak them out. My 1911 serial number or model number was not tampered with or removed by anyone.

[scooter]

It wont matter to the feds if it was stolen from colts mfg. before it was serialized or tampered with after,it is (as far as they are concerned ) an illegal firearm and possession of it (I believe) is a felony.I have heard there is a way to get it SN# by the BATFE but you should check with those here who are still currently in LE positions(or maybe contact a lawyer)

[Johnny Peppers]

These pistols come up on a regular basis on all the forums. Colt was in the business of making money on their contract to build the Model 1911 and wasn't about to let them walk out the door. Of all that have been shown on the forum I can't remember a one that was not an altered issue pistol.
How about some pictures?

[exitwounds]

In most cases collector interest seems to be low from my observations, since such pistols are more of a novelty, and lack a serial number and/or other markings to link them to a specific time in history. The handful I've seen at gun shows either did not sell or sold for minimal prices.