1939 Colt M1911A1

[bayonut]

Hi guys,
I recently acquired a M1911A1 at a local pawnshop. It's a 1939 manufactured Colt in the serial range of the block of pistols sold to the USN. The slide and frame are matching.I believe it's still in its original configuration.Condition is about 70% with an excellent bore.The mag is two tone with no markings. A local Colt collector opined that its value lay between $1500-$1800. Is that about right? I'm not interested in selling it, would just like to know a real world value. Here are some pics.

Thanks & best regards,
Len

http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltA1A.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltC1A.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltO.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltP.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltN.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltH.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltJ.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltK.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6944204/aview/coltL.jpg

[Mark Hitchcock]

If it is original finish and everything else is original or period correct. It's worth about double or more than the other suggested value. I think all 1939s went to the Navy. Don't have my books with me.

[bgiven]

It is a 1939 Navy, and if the slide serial number is matching, and the barrel correct for the serial number range.... the 'local Colt collector' needs to stick with tennis racquets....!!!

[bayonut]

Hi guys,
Thanks for you comments! It's always helpful to get a second ( or third) opinion!

Best regards,
Len

[Axel]

Your story makes me want to start checking out the pawnshops but the ones in my area are in war zones.

I wonder how the 1939 1911a1 Navy ended up in a pawnshop?

The prices quoted on the forums are always lower than what I can find.

As others have said, it is worth a lot more than $1,500 to $1,800.

I could see someone paying $4,500 to $5,000 for it on an online auction.
(if it looks like the pictures and is original).

[texagun]

What a great find. Congratulations! I love stories like this.

[lenb]

Congratulation on your new pistol! I've always tried to stop in and check out any pawn shops I come across when travelling, just in case they might have a nice or rare 1911A1 for a good price. I'd just about given up hope that any good ones were still available. Your find has re-motivated me to keep checking. I guess you never know what might still be out there.

Len

[bayonut]

Hi guys,
Pawn shops have always been a source of good pieces for me.I found the Colt when I stopped at the shop to pick up a pretty wartime Walther PPK I had looked at on a previous trip.Many hockers have no idea what they have and are just looking for a profit.The Walther, with a finger extension mag & the Colt set me back $1285. Most are located in the seedy parts of town but collectable pieces often go begging there since the locals are more interested in inexpensive, snazzy looking pocket pistols rather than heavy old autos or wheel guns.

Best regards,
Len