Colt 1911 value?

dr.ft

Hi,
I have a Colt 1911 in 45acp which is in original condition and is marked on the right side of the frame "United States Property". The serial number is 559***. At one point the pistol had an aftermarket barrel and other parts installed but the original parts have been put back in place. I took it out today and shot a 2" group at 15 yards. Is this an old gun? What is it's value?
Thanks Miles

When in doubt go faster

dr.ft

what is this worth?
http://www.golsn.com/listings/outdoor_adventure/firearms/286720.html

He wants to trade me for my Bushy varminter special with a bushnell elite 4200 4-16x40.

nmyers

Your gun was made in 1918; you will have to decide for yourself if that is "old".

Value depends upon condition & exactly how much of it is "original". We would need to see high quality photos & possibly a "hands on" examination to determine that.

Neal

dr.ft

Thanks for the reply.
I don't think I have the means to provide photos.
How about a range of values starting with if it were a pristine example of an original basically unfired pistol at the upper end and going down to a pistol that was 95% with perhaps some nonoriginal parts, like the barrel or mainspring housing, on the low end.
All help is greatly appreciated.
Miles

When in doubt go faster

perry shooter

Hello a pristine one could bring $3000 and a 1918 that has been refinished and replaced part could be $300 That is why pictures or better yet Hands On is soo important. As a shooter the 1918 had softer slides then the later Colts It is 87 years old and most likely sort of tired. But to a collector of Mil guns if it is pristine with "ALL" the right parts that match and the right finish "NOT PARKERISED" it is a gun they would dearly like to own. quote:"PRAISE THE HARDBALL GUN"

Xracer

Dr.ft, here are a few good sites to help you determine whether your 1911 is in original condition:

http://usgi1911.tripod.com/collecting/

http://usgi1911.tripod.com/id/

http://usgi1911.tripod.com/Inspectors.jpg

http://usgi1911.tripod.com/barrels/

dr.ft

Thanks for the help.
Miles

When in doubt go faster