Black Army Question

[Johnny Peppers]

Model 1911 pistol production ended at Springfield Armory early in 1917, as Colt had increased production to the point that the small amount of pistols produced at Springfield was no longer needed. Model 1911 production at Springfield was not a separate part of the armory, and the area was needed for Model 1903 Rifle production. Only 2,412 Model 1911 pistols were produced at Springfield in 1917 while Colt produced almost 78,000.
The last 1911 pistol shipped from Colt in May of 1918 was in the 322,000 serial number range, right where the rougher, less polished pistols started. More than likely the time in the blueing ovens was also hurried up.

[A square 10]

sure - sorry to be so slow returning ,

ithica M1911A1 and S&W victory


Colt M1911 and S&W M1917


Colt M1905 and Colt M1909


they are in the bottom of this cabinet - rifles are diferant than this photo ,door left = span-am 1893 , 1888 rod bayo trapdoor , 1892/6 krag , center cab= 1899 krag carbine , M1903 , M1903A1 , M1903 mod , M1903A3 , M1903A4gery , door right = M1917 , winder musket trainer , P1914 , and assorted sword/bayonets

[Jughead]

Superb Display!

[robertb6112]

A friend of mine had one. He sold it for $900. If i wasn't buying a house at the time it would have been mine. It was the first gun i ever shot. Nice gun jammed a good bit. Later found out he never cleaned it. So being a good friend i hit him over the head.

[Jughead]

So, what should one expect to pay for a correct Colt "black army" in say 85% finish condition? THANKS

[Scott Gahimer]

With most sellers...more than anyone else is willing to pay. That's how auctions work, anyway.

There is no science to it. Who knows what the next guy, or the guy before you is willing to pay?

Most don't know what they're even looking at, let alone what it's worth. That's true of buyers and sellers. Prices are everywhere.

I might tell you what I'd pay, but that's of no value to you because we probably don't value pistols the same way, we may not agree on what is an all correct 85% late 1918-1919 pistol. We're not looking at same pistol on the same day, either.

Some will pay more for pistols at gun shows on Friday than if they'd wait until late Saturday or Sunday. Some won't buy on Sunday at all, so they'll always be willing to pay more on Friday.

You ask a tough question when it does not accompany a specific pistol. I'm not sure there is a "right" answer. If a nice, original piece is offered and you are 1st in line and want it, I wouldn't waste my time asking around for opinions. It'll be gone when you get back.

[TDH]

You got that last part correct Scott. I saw it in a case at a show but still had several rows to check. He wanted more than I wanted to pay but didn't see any others and when I made my way back There was an older gentle man forking over the money. but it worked out a couple months later I found what I was looking for at a small local show for $160 less.

A Square that is a pretty collection.

[A square 10]

thank you - didnt mean to hi-jack the thread , i am enjoying the topic , i learn a lot from those that post here

[Jughead]

Hey Square 10, I really like your display. It looks portable with doors etc but must really be heavy. Do you take it around to different places for educational display or leave it stationary in one place? Also, I see a set of plans off a plan rack- what type engineer are you? I'm partial to Civil/structural myself!