$2500 Colt 1911?

[mr fixit]

In frustration of Gander Mountain being out of Argentine 1911's, I went to a couple of pawn shops just for grins.

At one who I know is normally on the high side of the price spectrum, I see a "GI" style 1911. I can see the left side of the frame and it is stamped "Property of the US Army" or very similar. I ask about it because I see no price. The lady says it is $2500.

I mutter "Wow", and ask why is it so valuable. She says "Because it's a Colt, and there aren't many of them."

It was parkerized, and had the arched mainspring housing, I guess making it an A1.

My question to the group is, could it have been worth that much? I know colt made a lot of 1911's. I know the A1 is a later version, and the parkerized finish is later still.

What do you guys think?

[Skiprr]

I'm not a collector by any stretch of the imagination, so can't comment. But here's a reference to Colt 1911 serial numbers and dates/destinations that might help if you can find out what the SN is on that pistol: http://www.sightm1911.com/1911Production.htm.

[KBCraig]

It's possible it could have been worth that much. That's not my field of interest, so I can't tell you for sure. Colt and USGI collectors are a particular bunch, and place great importance on original condition, year of manufacture, etc.

I've seen trashed out-looking models command $2-3,000, while good looking models languish at $900. The differences might be meaningless as far as shootability, but the collectors who know the arcane minutia could tell the difference in a heartbeat.

Kevin

[HighVelocity]

It's worth whatever somebody is willing to pay. A pawn shop is a dangerous place to buy anything that you are not VERY familiar with. Collectibles? Forget about it. A pawnbroker is an ace at weaving tall tales.

Caveat emptor

[HankB]

. . . I see a "GI" style 1911 . . . The lady says it is $2500 . . . My question to the group is, could it have been worth that much?

Unless it had a particularly low serial number, or documentation that it belonged to George Patton, Omar Bradley, or some other noteworthy individual, my answer would be "no."

[KinnyLee]

If I am to pay $2500 for a 1911, it better be a brand new Wilson Combat, RRA, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, Springfield Custom, Yost/Bonitz, etc...

[G.C.Montgomery]

If I am to pay $2500 for a 1911, it better be a brand new Wilson Combat, RRA, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, Springfield Custom, Yost/Bonitz, etc...

Generally I agree with you on this but the fact is, WWI and WWII era Colts marked as property of the US Gooberment can command some pretty high prices among Colt and 1911 collectors depending on condition and serial number. Documented ownership by famous people can push the prices well beyond $2500. Now if you ever come across a documented Singer manufactured 1911 for $2500, handcuff the man and don't let anyone else bid on the gun.

[KinnyLee]

I don't know. It's just something with the word "collectable" attached to it prevents me from shooting it. I guess it's a good investment if it is genuine.

[G.C.Montgomery]

I don't know. It's just something with the word "collectable" attached to it prevents me from shooting it. I guess it's a good investment if it is genuine.

Collectibles can be a good investment. Some years ago American Handgunner ran a story in the Gun Crank Diaries about some guy who came on hard times and decided to commit a robbery with his great-grandfather's 1911. Supposedly the markings on the gun caught the eye of an investigating officer who also collected 1911's. Turned out the 1911, manufactured by some obscure Canadian company, was worth something like $100K...A lot more than the $3000 netted in the robbery.

[mr fixit]

Thanks for the info guys. Like I said I am looking for a Sistema, so that Colt is about 10 times too high, for me anyway.

I just wondered about it. Never considered buying it. Would like to have it though.

[Mike1951]

]Collectibles can be a good investment. Some years ago American Handgunner ran a story in the Gun Crank Diaries about some guy who came on hard times and decided to commit a robbery with his great-grandfather's 1911. Supposedly the markings on the gun caught the eye of an investigating officer who also collected 1911's. Turned out the 1911, manufactured by some obscure Canadian company, was worth something like $100K...A lot more than the $3000 netted in the robbery.

And in some jurisdictions, it would probably wind up in a smelter!

Or a cop arrested for diverting it!

[jrosto]

This Colt Government Model Commercial 1911 was manufactured in 1918 during WW1. Very few commercial firearms were manufactured during the war as most production went to the military.



It sold for $10,637.50 at auction.

More pictures here.