Fair Price?

[Bandito]

I'm looking into buying a Colt with a serial# of 2300xxx. I checked proofhouse and it looks to be made in 1945 if I used that site correctly. The pics I got were blurry but the guy selling states it looks better in person. I'm going to see it tomorrow. First question: It is nickel plated. Can this finish be changed? Second question: He is asking $400. Obviously depending on condition, would this be a good deal to have as a base for a nice rebuild? Thanks!

[pa_guns]

Hi

The $400 sounds like a fair price.

Be careful - some pistols have corrosion under the nickel plate.

To take the nickel off the pistol you are going to need to run it past a professional re-finisher.

Bob

[elijdub]

I see "1945" too, c/o proofhouse... I really don't think the nickel plating is original, but i've been known to be wrong in the past ;). $400 for a Colt in just about any condition is a good price to me (assuming that it still resembles a Colt ;)). Seriously, some additional info and pics would really help "dial in" the "value". Try to post back tomorrow after taking a look at the gun if you're still unsure....otherwise, please post some pics of your new Colt!!!

[pa_guns]

Hi

Check the finish for "bubbles". If they are there, pass it up. If not, and it is indeed a Colt frame and slide - buy it.

Bob

[Bandito]

Here are the pics he sent me so far:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/HPIM2172.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/HPIM2170.jpg
The front sight was ground off and the rear is only dovetailed so I should be able to put any sights on that I want. I will post better pics tomorrow when I buy it. :)

[dsk]

It's an ex-military M1911A1. Somebody had it polished and plated at some point. If it were still in excellent original condition (parkerized finish) it'd be a $2000+ pistol. As it is, $400 is fair if it works okay, but it's a shame to see another one that was monkeyed with.

[pa_guns]

Hi

Take a good close look at it when you have it in your hands. Since it's ex-military you may have a mix of parts. That's not always bad.

Depending on how many little things there are like the missing front sight, you might even try to get him to knock a little money off :D :D

Bob

[Bandito]

I checked it out today and was happy with what I saw so I purchased it. I think it will make for a great rebuild. I took some quick photos to show you guys. I appreciate your help thus far and all comments are welcome. It looks as though the parts are original. Not sure about the barrel. Please let me know what to look for or please ask if there are any areas I should photo to better give you guys an idea of what I have here. Thanks!


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCN0593.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCN0592.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCN0591.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCN0589.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCN0587.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCN0585.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCN0583.jpg

[d90king]

Welcome to the forum. Best of luck with it.

[elijdub]

Congrats on your Colt, Bandito! That'll be a great "base" for a project. What's your plan for it? Personally, i think it'd be cool to restore it to it's original condition. My two cents ;). From my absolutely non-expert perspective, it seems to have many original/period-correct components. I'm not sure about the slide-stop and hammer. Also, i can't recall if this model should have a lanyard loop on the MSH or not :confused:. The rear sight is defintely not original. Hopefully some of our resident experts will be along shortly to give you some more substantive info ;).

[1911Tuner]

Quick examination reveals...

Hammer, trigger, grip safety, grips, and slidestop not correct for the frame. Sights are a no-brainer. Hard to say about the slide under the current lighting. Some of the more sharp-eyed historians may spot something I can't. Given the overall condition and the fact that it's not a hard-use shooter...400 bucks is...a little steep IMO. Offer 300 and walk away if you can't get it for 350. Mechanical/shootable condition is still an unknown.

[Bandito]

Thanks for the feedback. Not really sure what my plans are for it yet, Elijdub. I was thinking about restoring it as well.

[pa_guns]

Hi

It's a mix master that's been plated after it left the government's hands. From what I can see of the finish I'd say a strip and refinish is definitely on the list of things to do.

I'd agree on the $350 offer.

Bob

[Bandito]

Anyone know of any good smiths or engravers who can redo the rollmarks and colt logo on the slide and frame?

[elijdub]

I think that any reputable smith should be able to do that... What area of the country are you in?

[pa_guns]

Hi

If you are re-doing markings, best to find somebody who has some experience at engraving. Some people have the knack and some don't ....

Bob

[Hill]

Bandito,

Have it checked for safety, get the sights fixed and shoot it. Enjoy it.

Don't spend a lot of money on it because it looks to me like it's beyond restoring. Someone long ago buffed it using heavy cutting buff compound and rounded edges that should be sharp along with letting the buffing wheel into the pin holes to dish them. It was a pretty common thing to do in the 1950's and 1960's when surplus pistols could be bought in somewhat rough condition for prices like $17.50 each. People wanting a gun would buy one and pay as little as possible to make it presentable in a non collector sense. They had no reason to know that one day those plentiful relics would be sought after like they are today so it's hard to blame them. But they left some guns in shootable, but not collectible condition.

One thing you know is that it's made of good steel and with a little care it can still keep going for several more generations, unlike some of the less well made modern versions. And even though it's been poorly treated and is in the shape it is it will still continue to go up in value as it is because IT IS A COLT.

[pa_guns]

Hi

When you strip the finish, you may find that somebody went a little nuts in the plating tank. The markings may be in better shape than you think.

Bob

[Bandito]

Yes Bob, I am hoping that the markings do look better under the nickel. I live in Phoenix, AZ so I know there are some very good gunsmiths around my area. I think I am going to try and put it back to what it would have looked like originally. Do you guys think the original finish was parkerized or blued?

[pa_guns]

Yes Bob, I am hoping that the markings do look better under the nickel. I live in Phoenix, AZ so I know there are some very good gunsmiths around my area. I think I am going to try and put it back to what it would have looked like originally. Do you guys think the original finish was parkerized or blued?

Hi

The original finish probably was blued. After it went through the arsenal rebuild it probably came out parked.

Take a good look at it after stripping. You really don't know what's under there until the finish is off. It could be good news, or not ....

Bob