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  1. #1
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    How do I get an appraisal on an old 1911

    A friend has an old 1911, SN 407XX, made in 1913 for the US Navy. He is thinking of selling it and would like to get it appraised. Any suggestions?
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    Post some close up, detailed pictures of the pistol and describe it to us in detail. After that maybe we can give you an idea of originality and value. Does it have the original blue finish? Does it have the original barrel?

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    Here is an original Colt Navy in the serial number range of the one you are inquiring about. The only mod is the inlay in the right stock.





    Note the "P" "H" markings on the barrel hood and the rear sight..



    A better view of the rear sight.


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    Yes, it has the original blue finish. Well, it has a blue finish, I assume it is the original finish but I can't be certain. If it has ever been overhauled then it has been reblued and not parked. Again I assume it has the original barrel but am not positive. I had seen this gun about a year ago but do not remember any details other than it is in very good condition. I spoke with him ealier and he estimated it to be in 90-95% condition. He intends to retrieve it from an in-law's safe to take some photos. If/when he does this and gets the photos to me I will post them. The story behind it is; it belonged to either his uncle or great-uncle (I belive it was his uncle) and was issued to his uncle while in the Navy. I do not remember the time of service of his uncle. I will get more details of the gun's history next time I talk to him. When his uncle died he then inherited the gun. I don't know how long it will take to him to get the photos to me but he said something about taking photos tomorrow. If this gun proves to be all original and truly in that good of condition then I think it may be a unique gun.


    Mr. H,

    That is a very good looking 1911. I can't remember very many details about his 1911 but I belive this to be nearly the mirror image. If I remember correctly I think his finish may be in better condition but I can't say for sure without seeing it again. And I don't know if I could tell if it had been refinished or not, but again it is blue and not parked. What would you estimate a 1911 in that serial # range and in good as condition as your photos to be worth. Some one gave him an estimate a while back but we are not sure if it is an accurate estimate or not. And he did not intend to sell it at that time either so I did not pay as much attention as I would normally.
    Last edited by jharris; 01-15-2010 at 12:33 AM.

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    This is the historical data that goes with 42057..


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    I sold one in nearly the same condition early last year for $8,000.00. Right now the market is a tad softer, however high quality 1911 Navys should retain their value. For insurance purposes, I would assess the value at $10,000 to $12,000........ All this is based on the gun being ALL ORIGINAL with an excellent bore. The one I pictured has a "like new" bore....

    John

    Here is 38543. I bought this one from the family of a sailor that was aboard the OKLAHOMA on 7 Dec., 1941......


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    If in the condtion you state,I think a professional appraisal
    would be in order.I don't know your location,so can't recommend anyone.Some of the major auction houses
    would be real interested i'm sure. Bob

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    He doesn't have an internet connection so I told him I would do what research I could to help him out. We live just outside Knoxville TN, if you know of any contacts, websites or individuals to recommend I'm sure he would be very thankful. Neither one of us has ever dealt with a gun of this potential value and are a bit lost. You guys have already been a lot of help, thanks.

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    I am in Knoxville, TN , and have been collecting nothing but M1911s and A1s for some time.

    Contact me direct, and I can certainly help you out.

    usgi45s@hotmail.com

    Bob

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