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Looking for info and general appraisal on 1911

jrslimsjrslims Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
edited October 2010 in Ask the Experts
I have always been fascinated by weapons with history. I recently purchased a 1911. It came with the original box and paperwork matching the serial number on the gun. The return address was Anniston ordnance depot. The receipt was from 1961. The serial number on the lower is 132xxx as I see indicates the SA/Colt Transfer maybe 1915.
The identifying marks are as follows:
Barrel: P
Slide: Stallion on rear left side. Pat dates 1897,1902,1905,1911,1913. Right side has model of 1911 us army.
{I have read that the receivers are found with any post 1911 slide.}
Behind firing pin: 5 and near top maybe 7?
Above firing pin: H
Lower {left}: United States Property with faint AA stamped. there is no approval mark above the magazine discharge.
Lower {top} H G and a 7 towards front
Seems to have wwII bakelite grips and wwII magazines that came in the box with it along with a box of ammo dating 42 and hand written h. a. arms on the bottom.
Just curious about the gun and what you had to say about it. Thanks so much for your time.

Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    From your description it appears to be one of the World War I Colts that was reworked in Augusta Arsenal during W W II. They were sold through the NRA in the early 60's, by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, for $20.

    I'm not sure what they are going for now? Many that I have seen over the years have been in excellent condition, and are first rate pieces for a collection, specially with the box and paperwork.
  • jrslimsjrslims Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Sounds right. Receipt says $17. I have to say that I have tried to do my homework but there is so much confusion. The transfer from Springfield to Colt left out key identifying marks it seems. I cant help but wonder if it has seen service. I am assuming so b/c it seems the finish on the outside has been removed I think its supposed to be a dull blue but just seems dull metallic. I paid $950 for everything. I had considered returning it back to original by getting the two toned clip with early diamond wood grips but I don't know if that would help the value or just nullify what I spent. I do love the gun and don't ever plan on selling it but just don't know if its something that will go up in value or just always be a cmp.
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jrslims
    Sounds right. Receipt says $17. I have to say that I have tried to do my homework but there is so much confusion. The transfer from Springfield to Colt left out key identifying marks it seems. I cant help but wonder if it has seen service. I am assuming so b/c it seems the finish on the outside has been removed I think its supposed to be a dull blue but just seems dull metallic. I paid $950 for everything. I had considered returning it back to original by getting the two toned clip with early diamond wood grips but I don't know if that would help the value or just nullify what I spent. I do love the gun and don't ever plan on selling it but just don't know if its something that will go up in value or just always be a cmp.


    The original Colt W W I finish was a mat blue. When AA reworked them that were Parkerized. Usually it will appear to be a gray cast to the finish rather then blue.
  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I vote for LEAVE IT AS IT NOW APPEARS. The gun was rebuilt and as such will be most likely have parts replaced and refinished . While this is not as good as a Original finish with all matching parts WW I pistol a FRESH MILITARY rebuild will be worth MORE then one that someone at a later date tries to IMPROVE by putting some vintage parts back on this pistol The Arsenal inspection marks will always be there and ANY ATTEMPT to modify will be a TIP OFF to 1911 collectors. A collector will think it is a Parts Gun put together by BUBBA[V][:(]

    EDITI dont know how well you did as I dont know the cost to you but you do have a desireable pistol Now and it will only go up in value. just dont try to improve it.
  • jrslimsjrslims Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Would you venture to say I did well? As I said before I have the original box and paperwork of the release. I would like to have a piece that will increase in value if possible.
  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,380 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think you have one that will appreciate.
    Prices on nice original guns are out of sight and the collectors are starting to pay attention to real US arsenal reworks.
    Box and papers are a big plus.
  • jrslimsjrslims Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    thanks so much to all of you who responded..
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