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1911 Id info

ra5451ra5451 Member Posts: 365 ✭✭✭
edited October 2023 in Ask the Experts
A friend of mine was asking if I can help him id his 1911. All I could find is that it was mfg'ed in 1918 and there are 319,746 produced. However, the firearm is engraved with "United states Government" on it. so it confuses me. the serial number is "No. 333375" I first want to id the type/model of the 1911, then perhaps the value after that. i don't have a pic yet, cause It's my friends. Please help!
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Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    1911's made for the U.S. military by Colt would be marked as per this photo.

    1917%20C7.jpg

    Commercial 1911's made for civilian sales wouldn't have this marking, and would have had a "C" prefix before the serial number.
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I know this sounds confusing But Guns made for military use have United STATES PROPERTY on left side and most times will have serial numbers as NO. XXXXXX the Civilian models can have all kinds of markings but most are on the Slide. The frame will have the letter C in front or behind the serial number or other letters included in the serial number and the full size one will have GOVERNMENT MODEL stamped on the frame. your best bet is to look on this site for auctions under Colt 1911 and look at the ones for sale. the seller will most likely give information on the ones for sale and you can compare their pictures to yours.
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  • ra5451ra5451 Member Posts: 365 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rufe,

    That's what it looks like...other than a 3/8" chip out of the checkered wood grip the gun is in great shape. Any idea what it's (approx) worth.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ra5451
    Rufe,

    That's what it looks like...other than a 3/8" chip out of the checkered wood grip the gun is in great shape. Any idea what it's (approx) worth.



    Need quality photos for positive identification and valuation. Instructions for posting photos to the forum are at this link.

    http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294
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  • ra5451ra5451 Member Posts: 365 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Here are the pics...

    DSC04160.jpg

    DSC04159.jpg
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  • ra5451ra5451 Member Posts: 365 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Another Pic
    1001001937-1.jpg
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It looks like a real nice original finish Colt 1911 to me. You don't see many with the original Colt WW I finish and grips because many were reworked at government arsenals during WW II, with a Parkerized finish and plastic grips.

    Unfortunately there appears to be a substantial amount of surface rust on it from poor storage, ( probably in the holster). Have your friend take it completely apart and soak it in a solvent known as kroil. After through soaking use a very mild abrasive such as the finest grade of bronze wool to try and carefully remove the surface rust without harming the original blue finish. If this can be done the value of the pistol to a collector will be substantially enhanced.
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  • ra5451ra5451 Member Posts: 365 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Is there an approx. value for the 1911?
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  • badsbsnf81badsbsnf81 Member Posts: 768 ✭
    edited November -1
    SN goes to 1918. 500-800 as it sits if all parts are original. YMMV
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  • srdarellssrdarells Member Posts: 1 ✭

    I have a Rem Rand and it dont have any serial # all the outher marking are on it ant been sanded that i can tell

    The gun is in great shape I was told it was my step Dad,s dads gun he was issued !!

    Thank s Darell

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