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Jump Boot
15th February 2009, 09:30
I have a chance to buy a 1943 1911A1 and was wondering what I should think of a fair price for it. The collector is asking $1695.00.
The pistol is in great shape and has no scratches or gouges on it.The blueing is worn on the front strap and a little on the sharper edges from a little holster wear. Here's the clincer: It has been back to the Arsenal for rework.After field striping and removing the fireing pin stop,I seen no serial numbers.The barrel appears to be new with a military part number on the hood.The lock-up lugs on the barrel and frame do not show any sign of wear. I would imagine that it was reblued while at the Arsenal also.It does have the R I A stamping on the right side of the frame. The lowest he would go is $1500.00. What do you think? I was set on buying a WWI Colt Replical or finding a WWII Colt Replica but on second thought,I thought the Real Macoy would be a better idea.
Johnny Peppers
15th February 2009, 10:59
I would say pass on that one. The arsenals did not blue the pistols they rebuilt. When it came out of RIA, it would have had a phosphate (Parkerized) finish. The price is too high even if it had not been blued. Depending on the serial number, it may not have originally had a numbered slide. Even if originally numbered, the arsenals made no attempt to keep the original parts together during rebuild.
Ed71
15th February 2009, 21:41
Have you tried looking in the "for Sale" forum here? I remember seeing a Remington Rand 100% correct & original finish for close to the price you mentioned, and from a reputable member (won't mention any names) could be he still has it or could steer you towards another? Hope I didn't over step any rules of the forum, wouldn't be the first time I stuck my foot in my mouth. LAL

Good luck with the search
ED
bgiven
16th February 2009, 18:59
Like Johnny said, pass on that one. For what it is, it sould be somewhere around $900.- to $1000.- IMO
Scott Gahimer
16th February 2009, 19:53
I have a chance to buy a 1943 1911A1...After field striping and removing the fireing pin stop,I seen no serial numbers...

If there is no serial number, how do you know it is a 1943 M1911A1?

If the number has been removed, it is illegal to even possess, let alone own.
Jump Boot
16th February 2009, 20:53
If there is no serial number, how do you know it is a 1943 M1911A1?

If the number has been removed, it is illegal to even possess, let alone own.

Hi Scott,
There is a serial number on the frame but the gun has been back to the arsenal at RIA for repairs.The slide that was fitted to the frame doesn't have a serial number underneath the fireing pin stop.The initials FK are to the left of the RIA stamp.Hope this helps.
Scott Gahimer
16th February 2009, 22:07
Okay, thanks.

If the pistol is blued, that was done outside the military. Value IMO would not be over $500-600 with the blued finish. That tells me the pistol has probably been refinished at least twice. Parts have probably been swapped, too.

It's just not worth the price of a good rebuild, and most original military refinished rebuilds don't even bring $1500.
Toolman1911
16th February 2009, 22:59
We just sold an original, correct 1943 Remington Rand with honest wear for $1100. The only problem was an "idiot mark" that actually went full circle.
Jump Boot
17th February 2009, 17:57
Okay, thanks.

If the pistol is blued, that was done outside the military. Value IMO would not be over $500-600 with the blued finish. That tells me the pistol has probably been refinished at least twice. Parts have probably been swapped, too.

It's just not worth the price of a good rebuild, and most original military refinished rebuilds don't even bring $1500.

We keep playing tag Scott. I ment to tell you.We went back over to get another look at that gun.It has the original parkerized finish on it.It is just worn smooth. That again probably doesn't mean a whole lot since it was an arsenal redone gun.The guy still wouldn't budge on the price.
All you gentleman have been quite helpful and I thank you. I have been somewhat anxious to get something like I carried in the Nam. I have some new Colts and even an old series 70 gold cup.I even have a Les Baer.It just isn't a Colt.
wichaka
17th February 2009, 17:59
Would love to see it...anyway to post some pics of it?
Jump Boot
17th February 2009, 20:28
Would love to see it...anyway to post some pics of it?

wichaka, I'd like to show you pictures also.Unfortunately,I see no way since it is at the dealer's house and I am starting to wear out my welcome by going over there and not buying..It looks real good though and to me,it is worth more then a new production Colt,simply because it was made at a time when real masters built the 1911.
Johnny Peppers
17th February 2009, 22:58
You asked for advice, and have been given what I consider fair and truthful counsel. It is now up to you to decide if you feel comfortable putting that much money in a pistol that sounds a long way off from being original.
Jump Boot
18th February 2009, 03:34
You asked for advice, and have been given what I consider fair and truthful counsel. It is now up to you to decide if you feel comfortable putting that much money in a pistol that sounds a long way off from being original.
Thank you.That sure is a lot of hard earned cash to lay down on something that may not be what I want.I am going to keep looking as per your advice.I respect your knowledge.