Colt Ace Info

[papalondog]

Hello all,
I am new to this forum as of today. I am more of a S&W nut, but guns in general will do me fine. I am seeking information on this Colt Ace. I have had several opinions on year and value, but everyone I know that knows Colts, say that it is all original including the magazine. I am looking for anything I can find out, including how to maybe get a letter from Colt on it. A friend that is a member introduced me to this forum and he said it is the tightest, nicest pre war Ace that he has seen. I would call it an easy 90%er. Year manufactured, how many made, scarcity, and value?? Thankyou all and I congratulate you on a great forum. I have read some threads.

Lonnie
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6018/acexxjt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/116/acesniz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8958/acedg9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7681/acexvq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Hunter]

Wow that is a sharp ACE and welcome to the forum. You can call Colt for a date at 1800 962 Colt. You can talk with customer service and they can also help you get the letter.
Here is a link to check out till the experts stop by.
http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

[kwill]

Probably shipped in mid-1938 but no one can tell you the exact date or destination except Colt. Check under the FPS plate to make sure the slide matches the frame. It probably does because the slide has the correct features for a late Ace. The grips are wrong; should be fully checkered with 28 lines between the screws. How is the barrel marked (on lower right side of chamber)?

[papalondog]

I can find no numbers or markings on the barrel and nothing on the slide except for the external stamping (patent dates, "ACE", ect.) Of course I may not know what or where to look for them.

[mayagrafix]

Go to here:

The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site >The Parts Bin >Conversion Kits

There is a great sticky about Colt ACE pistols. Also somewhere in this forum (Collectors Corner) there is a thread on Colt ACE #818 and #820 (thats right, 3 digit serial number) also in pristine condition.

[bgiven]

Private message just sent.

[sprice1973]

Sharp looking Colt!Very good condition!

[papalondog]

I phoned Colt. The ACE was made in 1937. They are sending me info on how to obtain a letter. I have been told that the grips/stocks should be 100% checkered and not have the diamond pattern on them. Does everyone agree? I have been offered a trade for the full checkered grips and want to get the gun as close to original as I can.

Thankyou all,

Lonnie

[OD*]

Yes sir, the stocks should be fully checkered.

[Scott Gahimer]

I have been offered a trade for the full checkered grips and want to get the gun as close to original as I can. Thank you all,
Lonnie

There are a couple things to consider if comtemplating a trade.

First, you have to realize there is a difference in value in the two sets of grips. Your double-diamond grips appear to be about a $200 set of grips. Full checkered grips in comparable condition are worth about half that.

Next, you need to make sure the grips you trade for match the condition of your pistol. Even a correct type of grips won't look right if they don't match condition-wise.

Finally, you have to make sure full checkered grips have 28 rows of checkering between the screw holes, and that the grips are original Colt factory grips. There are a lot of repro grips that are $20 grips. Also, there are 31 row replacement grips that were used as field service replacements and on the 1950s-60s NM pistols. You don't want anything but factory original 28 row grips.

[bgiven]

Scott,

Actually.... good 28 row full checkered grips are right up there with the double diamonds from what I have been seeing the last few shows and auctions. Were'nt there consideribly more DDs manufactured than 28 rows ?????

Bob

[Scott Gahimer]

Scott,
Were'nt there consideribly more DDs manufactured than 28 rows ?????
Bob

Perhaps, but they got considerably more use on them than most of the 28 row grips. After 1924, many worn DD were pitched and replaced with 28 row replacements.

Just look at how many really nice M1911s exist today in comparison to 1911A1s. Most DD I see for sale are poor condition. Most 28 row are pretty nice.

[dakota1911]

Interesting gun. Although I do not want one I could see it being worth a "serious chunk of change" for the right person.