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Colt 45 auto

franklynfranklyn Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
edited October 2001 in Ask the Experts
I recently aquired an old 45 auto. It has the original blueing which was the royal blue of the very early autos. I don't know too much about these old guns and I'm wondering what it might be worth. It has the original wood grips, it's stamped "No. 153" on the right side of the frame and "MODEL OF 1911. U.S. ARMY" on the right side of the slide. On the left side of the frame its stamped "UNITED STATES PROPERTY", on the left side of the slide it is stamped "PATENED APR.20.1897 SEPT.9.1902. DEC.19.1905.FEB.14.1911" and "COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.CO.HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A.". It has the Colt emblem (the horse in a circle on the back left side of the slide. It's all original and works fine but it's certainly not in new condition.
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Comments

  • franklynfranklyn Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I once saw a factory colt 1911 45 auto that was Satin Nickel with blued trigger,sights, grip safty, barrel bushing,trigger,safety. The gun had factory installed black rubber wrap around grips with a gold colt medallion. Anyone have any information on this gun and where I might be albe to find one. Thanks
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  • hackerhacker Member Posts: 162 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    i dont think a us property pistol would be blued. it should be parkerized so maybe it has been refinished. if that is the serial number, a three digit number would be very low and very interesting to collectors, but if refinished, that hurts a lot.
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  • Der GebirgsjagerDer Gebirgsjager Member Posts: 1,673 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The early pistols were indeed blued, although it was a heavy dull blue which was done by a different process than today's hot blue. If your pistol has a bright shiney blue similar to a Python it has been refinished. Still, such a low serial number would have collector interest. I'd get it visually appraised by an expert. If there are none in your area take it to a gun show and show it around. You'll probably get several opinions and be able to get a ball park idea of the value.
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  • AntiqueDrAntiqueDr Member Posts: 691 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Folks, the correct finish for a 1912 mfg 1911 pistol is polished blue. The very first military series guns were pulled from the commercial production, so it is definitely possible that a 3-digit military 1911 would have a commercial finish, rather than the military finish referred to above.Best to have the gun looked at, hands-on, by a reputable Colt collector. You MIGHT find one of those at a big gun show...
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