3 problems with my early 1911 need advice.

[Texwing]

Colt 1911 Forum Post:

I recenctly acquired a very nice Colt 1911, serial number 72,xxx, and paid about $400 which is worrisome since I was not in a place or had the time to do alot of research on the gun. My internet studies and field testing show its a great 1911 and good shooter, but that three problems that i have identified are really going to hurt its value, but I am unclear as to how much its value will suffer-your comments and ideas are appreciated.

Problems:
1. United States Property on left side of colt is missing, and has been rather crudely scratched off, its very apparant although my pics dont show it very well. Was this common to remove this marking, and why? By the way, all other inspector stamps, the colt pony, and other marking are very nice, just USP was removed.

2. Lets get the grinder after it! Look at the nifty cross hatching marks on the frame beneath the trigger guard, and on the grip safety. Anyone ever seen this done before? It appears a very old modification, I suppose to improve grip.

3. Piece under the grip safety is later model, and without laynard, although I have been told that piece if findable and I have a big gun show coming up-what would a fair price be?

Thanks for any ideas. I am glad I bought it, and likely would not give it back because the rest of the gun is in such great shape, but I would like to know your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

Information

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[duckcreekdick]

Too bad about the "modifications" to the pistol which cannot be reversed or corrected. The arched mainspring housing can be switched out for the flat, 1911 type but with the condition the pistol is in, I'd just enjoy it as a fun shooter. $400 doesn't sound too high at todays' prices.

[oldcanuck]

The USP removal was common for a GI liberating a M1911 in the bottom of his duffle bag. The rest of the crude cross hatching is not. Someones personal taste unfortunately. In addition to you finding a correct mainspring housing, you will also need to find the correct short hammer, and earlier grips. The hammer pictured is of later vintage, as are the grips. One thing you fail to mention is the barrel. If correct... terrific, if not.... ouch.... Early Colt military barrels are a tough find, and very expensive once sourced.

Prior to attempting to correct the obvious, you may want to reconsider as the collector value is almost completely gone, even if you do spend more money on corrections. Once altered, it is forever.....It was original at one time, but unfortunately that ship has sailed.

[oldcanuck]

After looking at the pictures again, it appears that someone has been filing on the rear of the front site.

[Chuckindenver]

until the 1950,s it was illegal to own a gun that was marked USP..
they then changed the law, as its public domain.
all are fixable for a price cept the front of the mag well, look close, they rounded it off right up to the bottom of the grip stock...what a shame..

[pmac]

If it shoots well it was worth the $400. 15 to 20 years ago, That statement was not so but today I would gladly pay $400 for a shooter. They are great guns and my favorite handful.

[Chuckindenver]

200.00 worth of grips alone...

[Scott Gahimer]

You could have gotten much less for $400...I think you did okay for the money. I don't think it will ever be a collectible worth a lot more again. Originality cannot be restored.

Some parts might be replaced, but that will not affect value too much one way or the other. I'd suggest leaving the pistol as is to take advantage of the good price you paid and enjoy it as an inexpensive shooter that is a "has-been".

[Texwing]

Well, ok thanks for the replies and that pretty much sums up one the strangest gun transactions I will ever have. Out of about 12 pistols and rifles I drug home (estate sale, sort off) , the 1911 Colt was supposed to be the prize, but it has all worked out backwards. I will just enjoy it for what it is, and it is a great shooter. I will try to put up pics later of the Argentina pattern 1911 that I paid $100 (same deal) for that my Buddy was telling me to leave behind as a unsafe clone with little finish remaining. Turns out it has a "B" serial number and is one of 8000 made for the Brits during WWII, and is apparently worth more than the one posted here. You never know.

[Scott Gahimer]

Based on what you report, I'd say you are relatively lucky. Shooting from the hip in the dark often brings much more disastrous results. I suppose I'm just more of a coward...I don't typically buy on speculation. If I don't know, I generally keep my money in my pocket. However, it sounds like the prices were good enough to jump in and take a chance. Congratulations...I think. We haven't heard about the other 10 and their prices.