New to WWII 1911's

[ColtAddict]

Hello All,

Sorry No Photos as I just thought of this.

New to looking at War era M1911A1's. Have an opportunity to possibly purchase an Ithaca from a friend.

Has the arrows on the trigger guard, FJA Inspection mark, can faintly see crossed canons. SN 1447xxx

The Slide says Ithaca etc. "P" on slide in front of rear sight. Barrel has F & P markings, one on each lug side.

Field stripped everything looks in pretty Good Shape. The only thing that worries me is the Guide rod/recoil spring guide. It appears to be a one piece, but the hole in the end of the guide rod (muzzle end) is plugged with some sort of plunger thing. You can push the plunger into the guide rod hole and letting go it comes back out.

are there any USGI guide rods like this? Should I just buy it and replace it with a USGI regular guide rod (1 piece type with hole in the end)? Where could I get a real USGI part?

Apologies if this is a dumb question.

Thank you in advance.

He wants 1000 and an old Glock. good deal?

[Duane Hansen]

The part is not that hard to come by. What does the finish look like? Original or redone? Can you show us some pictures? The Glock should be worth around $500 so you are giving him approximately $1500 for the Ithaca. It better be all original and be in pretty darn good condition for that price.

[ColtAddict]

Hey Thank you for the response.

do you know where can i get a USGI recoil spring guide in stock?

Sorry dont have photos, did not have camera with me and have to let him know soon.

It looks very similar in condition to this one Here (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/inventory/wheeling/handgun/1423154_1911usarmy_whe.jsp;jsessionid=UG5I0F2RFMUSJLAQBBJCCOFMCAEFGIWE?categoryId=SEARCH_gl&_requestid=9) .

Though there is a little less wear muzzle end on the one im looking at.

[Duane Hansen]

If you go to www.billricca.com I believe he has the parts that you are looking for.

[ColtAddict]

Hey Thanks again.

Any opinions on that cost for an Ithaca? what is the going rate currently in most of your guys' eyes?

[rekladan]

The guide rod you describe sounds like an aftermarket item, once sold by King's. I think I have an image of it somewhere...

EDIT: is it like the one on the bottom-right corner of this image?
http://www.kingsgunworks.com/newcatalog/page04.html

[Duane Hansen]

Colt Addict.....without detailed pictures, it would be kind of hard to put a value on it.

[ColtAddict]

rekladan,

Thanks for the response. Yep looks very similar or is that one. . .

[Duane Hansen]

The pictures are not sharp enough or detailed enough to see for sure if the finish is original or not. It looks a little rough to me, so the asking price is high, in my opinion. If it is original finish and say an 80% pistol, maybe $1100 to $1200 plus or minus. I hate to give values unless I can hold the pistols in my hands. I guess if its worth that to you, then you have to make the decision.
Do you have a copy of Clawson's Collectors Guide to Cots .45 Service Pistols? If not you need to go to www.coolgunsite.com and order now.

[ColtAddict]

Hey Duane,

Thanks for the tip. Was able to get over to his store and take some photos (http://picasaweb.google.com/An.Seanachai/IthacaM1911A1PossiblePurchase?feat=directlink) .

Will be ordering that book.

Im starting to think id be better off getting a Colt WWI-Black Army Repro....too many unknowns on this piece.

eta: will be taking down photo of SN, dont know how to edit it that well.

Sorry about the bad res. My Macro/Extra Macro settings arent that good. serrated msh, serrated thumb safety.

[Duane Hansen]

I guess it all depends on what you want to do. If you are into history and want to start collecting Military, Collectible pistols then I would keep looking for the real deal. The New Colt Look -a -like pistols are nice but will never really have any collectibility and most likely never appreciate in value much. If you do go the route of collecting authentic, collectible pistols then you should do some studying in the Clawson Collectors Guide and become very familiar with the Pistols first.

[ColtAddict]

I hear ya.

As Im sure with many here, I started out and continue to be a shooter. Regarding 1911's I havent had any wrong done to me with Colts (knock on wood) so I have stayed with them.

I would however like to collect a few, mainly a Colt M1911 and an M1911a1 in good to excellent condition. Though they seem hard to find around here.

Which is why im looking at this Ithaca.

Any ideas regarding this one in the photos? good deal, meh, or no way?

I appreciate your guys taking the time to give your advice and opinion.

[Duane Hansen]

Reread some of the posts earlier in this thread, that very thing has been addressed. It comes down to Condition, Condition, Condition and like I said earlier, I don't really know for sure that the finish is original or not on the Ithaca.

[ColtAddict]

ok, well other than what can be seen in those 15 photos, what indicators should I be looking for that the finish is not original?

Im guessing the slight discolouration between slide and frame as seen is a pretty big Question Mark?

And what sort of condition warrants 1500$ on an ithaca in average?

Thanks

[bgiven]

The WWI magazine, non-USGI recoil guide, and incorrect grips don't help either.

[ColtAddict]

Thanks bgiven--- needed some help with that.

Yeah, by the sounds of it, need to do some more study and research before diving into these collectors pieces & get what I really want. Sometimes its easy to see "just settling" for something.

another new model Colt 1911 or AR looks to be in the cards soon.

Thank you guys again for your help.