value questions

[roy]

Hi. First post and two questions. An elderly friend of my brother's has a WWI era Army that his father brought home from the war. 98% but... The father or someone filed off US Army and United States Property. Yes, sickening but I can get it for 300 and was wondering if the damage can be rectified or should I simply enjoy it as a shooter.
Second concerns the value of a US Navy sn 24xx in a solid 80% blue with on the slide and frame except the grip area that is mostly brown.
Thanks,
Roy

[exitwounds]

The 1911 sn 24xx is NOT a Colt USN serial number. You may have a MODEL OF 1911 U. S. NAVY slide on that frame. Serial # 2001 - 2500 was not in the USN range. Do you have any pictures you can post? The defaced 1911 would worth the $300 IMHO but has been severely degraded as a collector. There are some restoration services out there that repair/redo military markings, but you will probably end up paying more for the service than the pistol is worth, and still have a non collectible weapon. I myself would enjoy it as a shooter or part the weapon out.

[bgiven]

Roy,

I have a Navy ( #27XX ) with a mismatched slide.... I would be interested in talking with you if it is for sale....

Bob Given rbauction.com

[roy]

Whoops!! the number is 2436. Sorry, I hadn't taken it from the holster in a couple of years and my memory was typical for my age group. The rust is not too bad and all markings remain crisp.
Roy

[bgiven]

Roy,

S/N 2436 is still not a Navy ......a being that I have a #27XX receiver that may match....I am still very interested.... pending what you would like to do.

Bob Given
bgiven@rbauction.com

[OD*]

exitwounds,

You don't feel a 1911 with a professional restoration would be worth $600?

[RayP.]

What inspector stamps are on the frame of the 45 with the Navy slide?,it may be a REM-UMC frame and not a Colt frame as the REM-UMC's go from #1 to #21676.

RayP.

[exitwounds]

exitwounds,

You don't feel a 1911 with a professional restoration would be worth $600?

Not seeing a picture of the condition of the weapon I honestly can not say for sure if it would be worth it, depending on how crudely the grinding off or filing was done, restoration can get expensive. There are still unaltered all original pieces out there that can be picked up dirt cheap and need nothing but a good cleaning. Around my region, an unaltered 1911 in 60% condition that is all original or correct for the period will by far be of more value than an aftermarket reworked/restored pistol. He buys it for $300, pays $400-$600 for restoration, and still has an altered weapon, not to say someone would not pay big money for it, but the history is gone. If it has a USN slide, and other original USN parts, I'd say there is more money in parting it out. For me personally I could not justify the expense, and enjoy it as a shooter. I'll take a original/period correct weapon or an arsenal rebuild over any non military reworked weapon. To each his own, if he is happy with his decision in doing so, then so be it. :)

[exitwounds]

Whoops!! the number is 2436. Sorry, I hadn't taken it from the holster in a couple of years and my memory was typical for my age group. The rust is not too bad and all markings remain crisp.
Roy

#2436 still doesn't make it a USN 1911. But a 1911 mixmaster in 80-90% condition around here would sell for $800 or more if it has a USN slide. :)

[OD*]

exitwounds,

I had Bill Adair do my 1913-M1911 which had the serial number and "Property of the United States" ground of (and badly at that), it had been bead blasted and reblued, the pony and some of the lettering needed touched up (he doesn't restamp but engraves). He did all that and applied the beautiful oven blue "dull finish" for $322. I also had him restore a rough 1940 Colt M1911A1, it too was also only $322.

[roy]

People I appologize for misinformation. The number is 2536. I have entered wrong twice today; once from poor memory and once for some other reason and from what I can tell, all appears to be original. I base this only on comparison with the 1912 Navy on "cool gunsite. I field stripped it this afternoon and found the H on the barrel.The barrel is dark but the rifling is still distinct. Also the inspectors stamp is identical and the other parts look right. I am in SC I never see Navy Colts and I don't have a lot of knowledge on them.
Roy

[exitwounds]

People I appologize for misinformation. The number is 2536. I have entered wrong twice today; once from poor memory and once for some other reason and from what I can tell, all appears to be original. I base this only on comparison with the 1912 Navy on "cool gunsite. I field stripped it this afternoon and found the H on the barrel.The barrel is dark but the rifling is still distinct. Also the inspectors stamp is identical and the other parts look right. I am in SC I never see Navy Colts and I don't have a lot of knowledge on them.
Roy

Serial Number 2536 is a USN Colt. :D
If the barrel has the "H" stamped TDC (12 o'clock) of the chamber and horizontally with serif's, then that's the right one. The stamp is that of Frank Hosmer. For a collector's note the H stamp should match the ones on the frame and slide since the same inspector inspected the completed weapon. The H can be found at 12 o'clock of the disconnector hole and horizontally above the firing pin stop. 1912 USN 1911's in very good condition tend to bring pretty good money, since it is rare to find an original one in very good condition. I would guess locally in my region it could sell for $1000 - $1500, possibly more depending on whether someone needed one to fill a collection void.

OD, I agree Bill Adair does awesome work, and the prices you said are more than reasonable. He is the man for aftermarket refurbishment if someone has the desire to have it done. All in all you still have altered weapon, IMHO. :)

[OD*]

All in all you still have altered weapon

Absolutely agree on that sir.
But these are worth more restored, than in their former abused condition.

[MajorD]

never store pistols in holsters! they collect moisture and lead to rust finish wear and other bad results!

[exitwounds]

But these are worth more restored, than in their former abused condition.

That depends on whether someone wants something that looks good or wants something in it's original format. I myself have seen original weapons that look like there were carted through hell and back sell for much more than pristine reworks just because they are original. Again the beauty lies in the eyes of the beer holder. Nothing wrong with either, just depends on the individual. Me, I don't like change, so I stick with originals. :)

[OD*]

That is indeed true in many cases sir.

How about some pictures of your babies, we need more pictures. :D