What can you tell me about this 1911?

[Heliboy2049]

What can you tell me about this 1911? I found out that my grandfather left it to my Dad. What is it worth approx?

www.vpilot.org/1911.htm

Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.

[bgiven]

1918 production.... in pictured condition, provided the barrel is correct HP and two-tone magazine $1000-1200.-

[Heliboy2049]

Ok,

Updated pics to include magazine. We have two, not sure if the other one is pitted like this one.

Not sure on the barrel marking. How would I check that?

Thanks!!!

[exitwounds]

Ok,

Updated pics to include magazine. We have two, not sure if the other one is pitted like this one.

Not sure on the barrel marking. How would I check that?

Thanks!!!

The barrel marking should be on stamped on top of the chamber hood visible through the ejection port, if it is not then it is likely a replacement, in which case you will have to field strip the pistol to view the markings, if it has none then it is likely an aftermarket barrel. Are there any markings on the magazine?

[1917-1911M]

When did the rampant Colt move from the rear of the slide, behind the serrations, to the middle? I once thought this indicated an A1 slide but apparently there was a change in 1917, 1918 or so. The story? M1911

[OD*]

Long answer ;)
4 different types of slides were used within serials 275,000 and 290,000. Two with the shorter radius on recoil spring housing, one with the Rampant Colt between the patent date and address and the other with the behind the cocking serrations. The other two were the longer radius recoil spring housing and both locations for the Colt was used, finally settling on the Rampant Colt between the patent date and address.

Short answer, 1918.

Short radius
http://mysite.verizon.net/od45/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/1913l.jpg


Long radius
http://coolgunsite.com/images/1911/1918N3/wpe10.jpg