newbe with 1918 1911

[rak187]

I'm pretty new to the old collector side of owning guns but I just bought this gun from a family freind who was desperate for cash, (I paid next to nothing for it) since buying I have been trying to research information about the gun, but Im confused on what makes certain types of these guns valuable and others not. Please can someone tell me what this gun might be worth I do plan on getting it appraised but I want to make sure it will be worth my time.

you might not be able to see the following markings

there is a marking that looks like a penguin with s14 under it on left hand side
there is a RIA mark on the right hand side

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/Aco506INF/m4kittykat023.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/Aco506INF/m4kittykat024.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/Aco506INF/m4kittykat025.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/Aco506INF/m4kittykat027.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/Aco506INF/m4kittykat028.jpg

Any help would be great.

[Johnny Peppers]

Your 1911 was shipped from Colt in the May/June 1918 time period, and originally had a brushed blue finish. It has been through Rock Island Arsenal at some time for rebuild, and has had a set of aftermarket grips added at some time after it left the military. The front sight also appears to have been modified after it left the military.
The sear and hammer pins appear to be in backwards, or have had something done to them.

[bgiven]

IMO it's a $700-$800 shooter grade Arsenal Rebuilt M1911.

[rak187]

thanks for the info johnny and bgiven very helpful