More information on 1911 I aquired

[devildog12210]

First of all GREAT SITE!!

I am going to receive this 1911 in a trade I am going to carry out this weekend. I have no idea what its value would be. What limited research I keep getting what seems to be conflicting information. The serial number is 1037xx. It has a flaming bomb stamp above the mag release. It has "AA" stamped on it. The condition seems to be great. Little to no wear on the finish. What do you guys think about this pistol? Thanks again for all the help. The slide reads "Model of 1911 US Army.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3019.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3021.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3022.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3024.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3025.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3026.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3027.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3029.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3030.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/devildog12210/Colt%201911/CIMG3034.jpg

[doubs43]

It was originally a 1911 that's been upgraded by the exchange of original parts with 1911A1 parts such as the rear sight, arched main spring housing, plastic grips and possibly the thumb safety and slide lock. To my eye the grip safety looks to be the original 1911 part as is the trigger. The new parts were likely added by Augusta Arsenal during it's overhaul or rebuild. That's what the "AA" indicates.

It's a combination of 1911 and 1911A1 parts and probably designated as a 1911A1 after rebuild.

Some of the members with a better eye for detail can likely give you more information and maybe correct some of what I said.

[bgiven]

I agree... looks like a pure M1911/A1 USGI mixmaster. Springfield frame, Colt slide, and assorted WWI and WWII parts.

[Scott Gahimer]

I would say all the parts were not put in at Augusta Arsenal. The vast majority of the time a pistol was rebuilt, all the parts were finished at the same time and will be matching in color and texture. I see at least 3-4 different finishes on the various parts of this pistol. I am a bit confused about the finish on the barrel...is it bright?

A good many pistols rebuilt in the 1950's came out of Augusta Arsenal with all M1911 parts, except for plastic stocks and normally a newer barrel. There was never any directive to "upgrade" M1911 pistols with A1 parts. I think many of the so-called upgrades were done by backyard gunsmiths after the pistols were available through the DCM.

Still, it is a respectable-enough pistol to acquire. Value is probably still in the $700-1000 price range for trading purposes IMO.

[devildog12210]

Well thank you for the information. It isn't in my possession yet. I can't really give you an answer as to the finish of the barrel quite yet. I am getting it and 300 rounds of factory loaded ammo in 45ACP for about $700. So I don't think that is a bad deal. It is still an amazing piece of history and should never go down in value so I feel pretty good about the deal. I will post some more pictures after I pick it up this weekend. Thanks again for all the information.