another what its worth thread

[whiteknight]

hey everyone i just signed up and love this site. my father wants to know the rough value of a 1911 that hes had since the 70's. when he bought it he was told it was never fired. i imagine its been fired at least when it was built before it left the factory. its in very good condition and shows barely any wear. the serial # is 158xxx and i looked on coolgunsite.com and i think its from 1917. so what is everyones opinion on this colt? also these are the only pics i have and i know there not the best but please bear with me

http://s476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/th_2009_0108ramdon0002.jpg
http://s476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/th_2009_0108ramdon0001.jpg

[Scott Gahimer]

Welcome to the forum.

Surely your photos aren't that small? Why don't you re-post them with a larger size so we can offer some opnions based on something. As is, all we can do is offer high/low numbers...and any useless price guide can do that. We need to know what we're trying to value.

Value changes significantly based on originality and condition. Condition doesn't go too far without originality.

[whiteknight]

ill try again with those pics

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/2009_0108ramdon0002.jpg?t=1232429169

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/2009_0108ramdon0001.jpg?t=1232429211

[Scott Gahimer]

There are a lot of things to look at and report, in order for us to determine if the pistol might be all original and correct.

So far, based on your photos, it looks promising. Value would be in excess of $5K...IF THE PISTOL IS DETERMINED TO BE ABSOLUTELY ORIGINAL. It typically requires more than photos to determine that.

There are many top notch restorations that have been on the market for more than 20 years. It would take a personal inspection to verify, but...we'll do what we can here.

You will have to have access to the pistol to continue. We need to know what all the specific barrel markings are. We need to know which markings are struck before and after finish. We need to know if there are ANY signs of browning, aging, rust, corrosion, pitting, etc., anywhere on the pistol.

We need to know what marks are under the firing pin stop plate, on top of the receiver.

Thanks for the photos. But there is more to do. Try to get us some better, detailed photos to begin with.

[whiteknight]

i have some more pics im going to try to upload for everyone

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/2009_0120ramdon0031.jpg?t=1232468452

[whiteknight]

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/2009_0120ramdon0032.jpg?t=1232468614

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/2009_0120ramdon0034.jpg?t=1232468652

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/2009_0120ramdon0036.jpg?t=1232468726

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr124/mkalalas88/2009_0120ramdon0035.jpg?t=1232468754

[Johnny Peppers]

I would say your 1911 has it's original finish, and is very nice.

[bgiven]

I agree.... original, and very tidy.

[Dr. T]

That's beautiful. I would love to have one in that condition.

[whiteknight]

thank you guys.....so based on those pictures what would u think the value is?

[Scott Gahimer]

If the pistol is in fact all original and correct, value might be in excess of $4K. There are several price guides available, too, even though I don't think they really reflect real-time sales. The market is what the market is when items are offered for sale. I would suggest watching some of the Internet auctions and sales sites to see what similar items actually sell for.
Opinions are going to vary. Opinions do not establish value. Only sales establish real values. It is a violation of the forum rules to discuss in this forum any item that is for sale.
I'm confident the OP has reviewed the forum rules and is only asking for opinions of value, and is not suggesting the pistol might be for sale.

[whiteknight]

i only wanted opinions on the pistol itself. this colt if not for sale. thanks everyone for the input