1944 Remington

[mackey]

Wonder what you all think about this one?
For sale on one of the online auction sites. Obviously I still have much to learn, so forgive me. What about the stamps on right side of trigger guard: "H" and "A"? and barely visible crossed cannons. Feedramp was not white. Is this an obvious refinish? Doesn't seem like I've noticed those stamps on right side before.
It appeared correct, there were more pictures, just wondering about this finish. If an arsenal job, what does that do to the value of an othewise original piece?
Looking forward to any opinions. Mac.
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/mackey62/rem/rem1.jpg
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/mackey62/rem/rem2.jpg

[Duane Hansen]

In most cases the arsenal that does the refinishing would have put their initials on the pistol. Such as AA for Augusta Arsenal. A refinished Remington Rand in that condition would only have the value of a shooter grade pistol. I would say $700 to $800 would be a fair price.

[mackey]

I'm not familiar with the names of other arsenals besides Augusta, Springfield....others I'm sure. Is their any signifigance to the "H" and "A" marks? I'm far from an expert, but just seemed odd to see them on right side of trigger guard.

This raises a new question: If an arsenal refinish reduces a seemingly correct piece to $700-$800, what would a refinish by others do to the price? I dont mean to debate the value of original as opposed to arsenal refinish. However, it does seem that an arsenal job should de-value the piece less than say, a recent bluing, or even a steel wool happy well-intentioned owner.

I really don't want to get too deep into "what is the value?" I certainly value the opinion of anyone willing to give it, without it I would flounder around as a wanna-be 1911 owner never knowing what I was looking at. Its just that value to me, someone looking for first 1911, is certainly higher than that of an accomplished 1911 collector. While I'm hoping to find the most original pistol I can afford, someone with an extensive collection wouldn't give a second look to the ones catching my eye.

Maybe I answered my own question? I could be happy with an arsenal re-finish, as long as its correct for the pistol, matching parts, numbers, marks etc... Guess I just dont want to be disappointed when I'm showing off my new to me parkerized Rem and somebody says "Too bad it isn't the original Dulite." Shopping online, while opening up the market, certainly presents difficulty when trying to determine originality and correctness. I'd need help analyzing one in person, let alone doing it via a 15" screen. Unfortunately there just aren't enough of these sitting for sale at the local gun shop. Please bear with me while I learn from you folks.

[bgiven]

Maybe in your situation, first time out, it would be wiser to purchase a good reference book, prior to jumping into the deep end of the pool.

[doubs43]

Maybe in your situation, first time out, it would be wiser to purchase a good reference book, prior to jumping into the deep end of the pool.

Excellent advice. Not only does a good reference provide valuable information but the better books also retain value, even increasing in some instances.