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Phil
22nd February 2007, 19:25
The pistol pictured below, serial # 3554 is currently listed on an auction website for $4k. Not mentioned is the fact that the slide is a post-290,000 replacement. When I advised the seller of this, they stated that they were aware of it.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/Murexway/No-2.jpg
exitwounds
22nd February 2007, 19:58
Since the frame is a 1912 Colt 1911 in the USMC serial number range which there were only 300 of that year, I can see the the premium pricing, if it were all original. But $1200 - $1500 is more in the realistic ballpark for it, IMO, and only because of the frame.
Phil
22nd February 2007, 20:27
Since the frame is a 1912 Colt 1911 in the USMC serial number range which there were only 300 of that year, I can see the the premium pricing, if it were all original. But $1200 - $1500 is more in the realistic ballpark for it, IMO, and only because of the frame.I agree. When I first saw it, I was extremely interested in the gun (even at $4k) for about 15 seconds. Then I realized that something didn't "look right".

For $4k, it should be all original, so I e-mailed the seller advising them of the replacement slide. They replied that they knew it.

For me, anyway, I wouldn't be interested at any price. A parts gun is just a parts gun. Maybe if the slide was close, but this one is totally wrong for this frame.
exitwounds
22nd February 2007, 20:42
Phil, I would agree that it is simply a parts pistol, and I too would have no desire in it myself, but think $1200 - $1500 would be a more realistic price for the seller and only because of the USMC frame.
Phil
22nd February 2007, 20:44
Phil, I would agree that it is simply a parts pistol, and I too would have no desire in it myself, but think $1200 - $1500 would be a more realistic price for the seller and only because of the USMC frame.Yeah, gotta admit, my heart jumped when I first saw it :D
mayagrafix
22nd February 2007, 23:15
Is there any way we can git a close look at the USMC stamp?
Phil
23rd February 2007, 09:44
Is there any way we can git a close look at the USMC stamp?No 1911 pistols were ever originally marked U.S.M.C or with any other Marine Corps nomenclature. The serial number of this frame, however, places it in a shipment of 300 pistols to the USMC in 1912 that were the first Colt 1911's ever shipped to the Marine Corps. Here's the link to the listing:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/Classifieds/View/_976832593.aspx
OD*
23rd February 2007, 10:13
Phil, I don't have an account with GA so I can't enlarge the pics, I assume the Rampant pony is between the patent dates and address?
Phil
23rd February 2007, 10:41
Phil, I don't have an account with GA so I can't enlarge the pics, I assume the Rampant pony is between the patent dates and address?Correct. Or in this case, incorrect (unfortunately):

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/Murexway/wm_252700Medium.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/Murexway/wm_252701Medium.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/Murexway/wm_252703Medium.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/Murexway/wm_252702Medium.jpg

The serial number looks unusually lightly struck, but it could just be the lighting, since the Roman font-style is correct and the last two digits are slightly higher that the first two. Here's the serial number on No. 3577, a known original pistol:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/Murexway/No-1.jpg
OD*
24th February 2007, 01:00
Thanks Phil. ;)
exitwounds
24th February 2007, 10:27
Is there any way we can git a close look at the USMC stamp?

I should have been more clear when I said USMC frame, meaning that it was one in the very first batch of 1911's sent to the USMC, indicated by it's serial number. The serial range is 3501 - 3800 in 1912 totaling 300 pistols. Had the pistol been all original it would have easily brought the $4k IMO due to it's rarity. Even though the pistols are not marked USMC in any way they are highly sought after.