What do I have?

[fubarbob]

Hi
This is my first post. I am looking at a Colt 1911a1, serial number 1156xxx. It is very clean and appears to have been shot very little. What should I be looking for to see if it is original?
If it is original can you give me a ballpark worth? and if not original??

Thanks
Bob

Information

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[Duane Hansen]

We would have to see some pictures to really give you a good appraisal on the Colt 1911A1 you are looking at. If it is indeed all correct and original with parts and finish and in 98 to 100% condition it could be worth as much as $3000 plus. But if the finish is not original or some of the parts have been changed, it would be little more than a shooter grade pistol worth in the range of $600 to $700. So if you can show us pictures, that would help.

[Badger]

Well, as Duane said, some more information would be helpful and perhaps some pics...

Although it speaks to a rifle, it's just as applicable to a pistol....

Here's a link that will help you help us, so we can help you better.

What can you tell me about my rifle? (click here)

Regards,
Badger

[Duane Hansen]

If you go to http://www.coolgunsite.com and check out the examples there of original Colt 1911A1 pistols, then you will have something to compare with.

[fubarbob]

Thanks guys, I guess I didn't ask the right question, What parts/marking should I be looking for to see if the pistol is truly original? I do not have it in possession so I can't take it apart to show pics, if it does look original I will pay more for it. If not I won't offer as much.
Thanks again!

[Duane Hansen]

fubarbob...I wish it was that simple. Unless you are really familiar with the 1911A1 pistols in question you can get taken to the cleaners very easily. It actually takes years of studying and looking at original, fully correct examples, until you can spot a fake or some part thats not correct, a mile away. There is nothing really I can tell you here that will help you that much. The fakes have gotten so good that it can be very hard to tell if what you are looking at is real. You still need to go to the website I mentioned above and order one of Charles W. Clawsons Collectors Guide to .45 Service Pistols and the CD that goes with it. This way you can start to educate yourself on these collectible pistols. If I were you I wouldn't spend any money on the pistols until you know what you are really looking at.

[oldcanuck]

Bob,

It's kind like getting a haircut over the phone.... you may or may not get a good price, but also you may not get what you want to see as well.

Before buying your first M1911 or A1, I would recommend buying a good book.

[fubarbob]

Thanks to all.. will do some reading first.
Again, thanks
Bob