Help with Colt M1911A1

[gungnir]

Hello. I'd like to say thanks to everyone who's posted here. I've learned much by just "lurking," now I'd like to ask some questions that are a bit more direct.

http://picasaweb.google.com/gungnir.1972/ColtM1911A11178XXX

The link above is to a web album containing pictures of my grandfather's Colt M1911A1. It was recently discovered in his closet after his death several years ago. My dad has it now, and we're presently debating whether he should insure it, buy a safe for it, or both. At any rate, I volunteered to research its monetary value for insurance purposes, and it looks like this is a good place to ask that question. If you'd care to volunteer what you think this pistol might fetch on the open market I'd appreciate it.

I don't know whether this adds any value to the pistol or not (other than sentimental), but I do know some of the gun's history since my grandfather also saved his unit history publications. It was with him from the day he landed on Omaha beach (D + 1) with the 2nd Engineering Combat Battalion (2nd Infantry Division) through the Battle of the Bulge, and up to VE day when his unit happened to be in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. I wish I had some specifics such as if he ever fired it in combat, etc., but he was very reticent to discuss his war experiences. Indeed, grandma was the only one who even knew it was still in his closet.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Regards,
Todd

[tombstone]

Todd,
Nice looking M1911A1 and even more special because it was Grandpa's. Someone much more knowledgeable than me can give you a value estimate (but they'll probably request more pictures of the markings on the barrel, slide, and magazine). However, I would consider it too valuable for sale if my Grandpa had owned it...thanks for sharing the photos and the family history.

[gungnir]

Thanks Tombstone -

Yes, we also consider it much too valuable to sell. In fact, I'm beginning to think that there's not much point in insuring it because if it were stolen, well, it's gone, and no amount of money would bring it back.

Todd

[bgiven]

Early 1944 production. If the barrel is correct and marked as such, IMO a $2,000.- specimen. The family connection and provenance takes it to a level beyond monetary value as discussed.