1911 value made 1918 US property

mogley98

My nephew called me today and asked me about a 1911, he seems to think it is worth 4K.

I checked the serial numbers which would put it as a 1918. Over 300K made that year.

When I looked at other auctions one is listed for 4999 and one with issues 1500.

The gun is marked US Property and on the other side has "model of 1911 US army", it has what appears to be MOP grips not original.

I don't know what else to tell him other then to check the top of the barrel for the HP and a gothic p?

rufe-snow

Posting quality close-up photos, using these instructions. Are the only way we can help, with identification and valuation.






http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294

Hawk Carse

For that kind of money, it would have to be original throughout and in excellent condition. I would want a correct magazine, too.

Pearl handles are a liability, nice 1911 "double diamonds" are worth hundreds of bucks.

nmyers

Or, he can use the self-help method:

http://www.coolgunsite.com/

Neal

john carr

You asked for a figure so will try to give you one. I haven't been closely keeping track of the value in ten cent dollars on these but did up to about a year ago.

I have one like you describe. Mine is mismatched, Springfield frame and a Remington UMC slide. Everything is complete, the double diamond grips, barrel with the Gothic P that you described, a 1918 mag with "A" on the toe. General condition would be Good +. I'll be selling this on GunBroker in the next few months and will start it at $895.00 and hope it will bring twelve. Hope this helps.

yoshmyster

There was a feller in So. Cal who used to send me lovely catalogs of 1911s with nose bleed prices. Now he might've been able to give you a price.

dakotashooter2

I have a 1911 made by Union Switch & Signal which apparently are the second rarest model. My FIL got it from his brother who got it from a guy he served with . The story is the guy who had it was in the navy (Korean war) and left (or maybe forgot) it with my FILs brother when he shipped out and was later killed in action.

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by dakotashooter2
I have a 1911 made by Union Switch & Signal which apparently are the second rarest model. My FIL got it from his brother who got it from a guy he served with . The story is the guy who had it was in the navy (Korean war) and left (or maybe forgot) it with my FILs brother when he shipped out and was later killed in action.


One of a kind. Priceless,[:D]

tsr1965

As Hawk stated, it would have to be in all original, matching numbers, and 95% or better of original finish to get the $5K mark. Only a hands on inspection, with a tear down for inspection, will warrant that. The MOP grips will tell you that someone tried to pimp it out, and most likely cut the value by at least $1k, and probably more depending on what else might not be correct with it.

Realistically speaking, only about 10% of the 1911's that age are capable of 95% originality, with NO arsenal rebuilds, and all matching numbers, and original finish. May luck be with you.

Don McManus

Unless it is near perfect condition, a 1918 made 1911 would have to be a Remington UMC to get to $ 4,000.00, IMO.

I have a couple of WW1 Colts, plus a Springfield from 1914 and a Remington from 1918. The Colts are worth on the order of $ 2,000.00, but the Springfield and Remington should get over $ 4,000.00.

First step is to make sure the S/N on the frame matches the manufacturer printed on the slide.

A quick reference guide:

http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/colt production.htm

From there it is correct parts, finish, and condition.

Corrected link. Did not work from phone.

papernicker

nothing there