WIW 1918 production M1911

Hi Guys,

I have a friend who wants to trade me a M1911 s/n 303350. He has 2 clips with it, a holster and web belt. However, the holster does not have US stamped in it. He says it's all numbers matching except the barrel which was replaced. I'm wondering what the value is in today's market? Any help appreciated.

More info from the owner:
barrel says "colt auto 45" and one mag is pinned, the other is welded, and could use a better barrel for shooting (I have one) but is overall pretty good.

Thanks !


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A34, it looks like you've got a 1918 manufactured slide and frame with a WWII era barrel. You also have an arched mainspring housing which is WWII era, or at least post-1924 (ish). Are there any markings on the barrel - such as an "H" and a "P" somewhere? You can expect to see that on a WWII era pipe.

From the photos it is hard to tell, but the 1918 in your serial number production range was probably finished in either "black army" or carbonia blue. It looks to me like you have an Black Army 1911 that was refurbished at some point, perhaps for service in the second world war, or at least with WWII parts. It may well be that its barrel was shot out and/or it and other parts needed replacement at the evaluation of a military armorer.

So if you are looking for value it is a tough one to cipher. Yours is a bit of an interwar Frankencolt. It is not an invaluable pistol by any means, but it is not a true WWI Black Army Colt. I am not an expert on 1911 values, but you would be well served to start looking around at WWII era Colt automatics and perhaps add a percentage for the frame and slide? Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I will chime in and educate us both.

I will say it is a very nice pistol indeed, with a very rich history, and one which I would not hesitate to snag were I to have the opportunity.

Cheers,
Archie

Thanks Archie !

The COLT .45 AUTO marked barrel will have a letter or number, or a combination of both in front of the lug. The H P marked barrels are WWI and the H P will be on top of the chamber. The grips are also post WWI.

All the WWI Colts were finished by the same process, using a gas fired oven. The rough black finish resulted from speeding up the bluing process and less final polish.

check your PM. I sent you a message on parts for your 1911.

Thanks, it's a friends, but I'll forward to him.