Newbie with questions and pics

[Navy Vet]

I am new to this forum and have owned a 1911 for quite a few years. I just recently have become interested in finding out more about it and my knowledge is limited. From what I can find out the grips are not original to this model. They are made of plastic and are from the 1940's I believe and the magazine I do not believe is correct for this pistol. The serial number is 207XXX which if I am correct puts it as being produced in 1917. There is a P and an H stamped on the barrel and are visible through the ejection port when looking down on the pistol. Also on the bottom of the barrel in front of the link pin area there is an R stamped in the barrel. Then on the link pin area where it attaches to the barrel is stamped a G. On the frame in front of the hammer with the slide removed is stamped a H and a G and what looks like an H of a different kind. On the back side of the slide above the firing pin stop is stamped an H. The serial number is on the right side of the frame behind the slide stop pin hole. Also on the underside of the slide is what appears to be a 0 and a 6. The right side of the slide has the Model Of 1911 U. S. Army and the left side of the frame has all the patent dates the last of which is Aug. 19 1913. The rampant Colt is to the rear of the slide behind the serations. The magazine has an S stamped on the part of the mag floor plate that would be where your finger would rest on it. The inspectors cartouche is on the left side of the frame above the mag release button and the initials are GHS.Now the bad news, someone years ago ground of the property stamp on the left side of the frame. I have been told that this destroyed the collectors value of the pistol. If it still had the property stamp it would be worth between $3000.00 to $4000.00. That is a very dis-appointing because the pistol is in very good condition and still shoots pretty well. There is some pitting in the bore. Check out the pictures if they come through. Could someone here give me an idea of what this pistol would be worth now with the property stamp missing? Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/10.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/11.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/7.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/6.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/5.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/4.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/12.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/13.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/14.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/Navy1vet/1.jpg

[pa_guns]

Hi

My guess is that when they ground off the property mark, they also refinished the pistol. Who knows what kind of shape the finish was in before they did that.

I would not agonize very much over the sins of the 1920's or 30's. The same thing was done to a lot of pistols during that era. You have a fine pistol there. I'm *guessing* that you did not pay $4,000 for it. :D :D

Bob

[Navy Vet]

Oh no I did not pay anywhere near that. When I bought it 20 some years ago I paid $150.00 for it.

[Brewer]

The reblue and the defaced USP marking negate any collector interest. 'Round here it'd be worth about $450.

HTH,

Brewer

[pa_guns]

Oh no I did not pay anywhere near that. When I bought it 20 some years ago I paid $150.00 for it.

Hi

That sounds like a fair price then. Something in the $400 to $600 range sounds reasonable today. A lot depends on the local market. Except for the slide it's probably got a bunch of collector grade WWI parts.

Bob