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A Remington Rand 1911A1 question with a twist
pagunguy
Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
I have a 1944 Remington Rand 1911A1 pistol. Serial number 1385XXX. I received it from my uncle via my dad. My uncle was a Marine who served in the Pacific during WWII. He claims the pistol that I now possess was never fired (a war souvenir). I have the original box, and three original mags still in the oil paper wrap. However, over time in storage, the pistol has developed a couple of surface spots; 1) a minute amount of surface rust in the grooves of the serrations at the back of the slide, 2) several dark marks in the bluing on the frame. I believe that a thorough cleaning, and oiling will remove these marks. Given it has never been fired, I'd estimate the value at around $1000. Perhaps more. However, with some antiques, their value is greater if the patina is left as is. Can someone comment as to the value as-is verus cleaned-up?
Comments
As for the blemishes, while "patina" is desirable for furniture, it is bad for guns. However, we usually try to remove rust & stains in a way that does not destroy the remaining "good" finish. Some fellows like CRC, others like Hoppes #9, but my best results have been with Kroil; use a bristle brush in serrations/grooves, & lightly rub 0000 steel or (better) bronze wool everywhere else. If that doesn't work, just oil it well & live the results. Or, if you want it to look like it did when issued, you can have it reparked, but value will not increase much.
Neal
A near-mint R-R would easily sell for $1,200 or more, and the box/mags would make the price even higher. However, only the lightest surface rust can be removed by careful cleaning/oiling. The greater the amount of pitting, & the more original finish that is no longer there, the lower the value will go. Whatever, it will certainly be worth more than the range I gave you before.
In order to completely inspect/clean/oil it, you will need to field strip the gun. The NRA has a handy reprint with instructions on how to do that, or one of the 1911 sites may have them. Don't attempt to take it apart without instructions, as you will likely damage it. When you disassemble it, note markings on the barrel (it should be blue & have HS or F plus a proof P).
Neal
I Miss The World I Grew Up In!
http://www.model1911a1.com/Remington.htm
the patina is expected on a reminton rand also ,but the dark brown spots should be to a min
if you decide to list it at auction ,i would suggest looking at past and present auctions so you get a feel for what points need to be advertised {what markings etc},1200.00 bucks is not a unfair price ,the mags and the box will make that price much easier to obtain
,hopefully the proof and armory markings are strong ,this will help also ,but as long as they are there it is ok
oh! i wouldn't advertise it as a war souviner ,someone might think it was five finger discounted , the gun is what it is
the dark spots are rust under the finish ,you will not be able to remove them
yep its me ,same one for 4 years now
I Miss The World I Grew Up In!
Neal
With deepest respect to you, you forgot "SP" marked barrels made by Springfield. I have an original 1943 Remington Rand and it has a Springfield barrel.
Just an oversight I'm sure.......
Charlie
"It's the stuff dreams are made of Angel"NRA Certified Firearms InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com
James
Whats next? A ban on automatic transmissions?