New member

[asin]

All,
I'm new to the forum and new to collecting M1911s. I've found a gun that I'm seriously considering purchasing and am looking for some thought and information from more experienced collectors.

The gun is a Colt 1911, serial range 187XXX, It was arsenal reworked at Augusta (AA), finish is about 95%. A concern I have is the inspectors mark is GHS in letters, it is not the normal circle design. Everything else seems to be accurate.

Any thoughts on whether this would be a good first purchase and what kind of price should I expect to pay.

Thanks in advance,
asin

[Scott Gahimer]

GHS...but not like it's supposed to be? Sounds like something I'd recommend not to purchase.
How 'bout some photos?

[teninx]

Collecting 1911s can be very rewarding,but it can also be a tough learning experience.Please take note of the advice of the very knowledgable people on this forum.I'm not one of them,but I pay close attention when they speak.Good luck with your efforts and welcome the forum.

[bgiven]

Might I suggest your first purchase be a book, and not a M1911. Clawson's Third Edition Collectors Guide would be a good start.

[Joni Lynn]

Welcome to the forum.
I agree that before starting in on a purchase of an older 1911 a good bit of self education would be a good idea. Otherwise you may find yourself spending a lot of money on a nice firearm only to find out that it has very little value.

[Dave in FL]

Buying collector's firearms is like buying art. Very small things can mean the difference between a $2500 and a $400 pistol. I'd recommend starting with something advertised as a mixmaster, arsenal refinish and the Clawson book. Study up before spending your money. There are some unscrupulous types out there that will gladly sell you that $400 gun for $2000 and tell you they're doing you a favor.

[Scott Gahimer]

Learning about these pistols has nothing to do with their values; being an experienced buyer does. Knowledge and experience are valuable assets in the marketplace today, but many mistakenly seek to bypass the learning and go straight to the buying.

I don't recommend buying anything you don't want, just to learn. That's what the books and other people's pistols are for.
I do recommend waiting to purchase a pistol until the time you know you'll be buying what you want. To buy what you want requires knowing the difference. To know the difference, you'll need more than just the best books or any forum. You need to hook-up with an advanced collector and spend some real time and energy learning by looking at his/her collection and having them explain why something is right...and why something is wrong. You can't learn without examining a lot of good (and bad) guns. The goal is to not buy the bad ones...just to learn from them.;)

Before you ever get to that point, I'd recommend thoroughly reading Clawson's book(s). Familiarizing oneself with Clawson's books is a rite of passage IMO that demonstrates that person is serious about learning (and worth the effort), and not just wanting to be coached for a purchase.
It's a jungle out there trying to buy without knowledge. Don't go there.:scared: :D

[JARHEAD82-86]

I recall reading about the GHS marking and it was done in three different styles. One in the Circle and in block style for the same inspector. Another In a Large block type for a different inspector with the same initials so most likely it is authentic. If it was me I would buy it before it's gone

Mike

[Scott Gahimer]

The GHS final inspection stamp on Colt M1911 pistols was only stamped in one style. That stamp is an intertwined GHS in a circle.

[JARHEAD82-86]

Scott
I stand corrected. That mark is for a 1911A not a 1911. I was not paying attention to the serial No. :butthead: :butthead: :butthead:

Mike

[bgiven]

That mark is for a 1911A not a 1911. Mike


You might have it mixed up with the 'GHD' on the M1911A1s, which there were a couple of variations.

[Scott Gahimer]

Mike: There were no M1911A1 pistols with a final inspection of GHS.

I believe you may be thinking of the G.H.D. final inspection. The G.H.D. on M1911A1 Colt pistols in the time period 1942-1945 was stamped in different sizes and positions (horizontal, vetical, diagonally) on the pistols.