1915 1911 value guestimation?

[stryker]

Hi guys. Don't come on this site much ('03, Enfield guy ,mostly) but a friend of mine came into possession of an early Colt Automatic that he is considering selling. Not being up on the Colt market, I told him I would try and see if I could get him some help here. The pistol is a 1911, with about 75% finish, maybe better, serial numbered C123XXX (IIRC that makes it 1914 or 1915, and an early civilian piece) It's ownership is known to be three owners: The original buyer who held it for many years; his son, a WWII vet, who was given it when he returned home; and a family friend, who has owned it for about 8 years and never fired it. If the story I heard is true, it has had few rounds fired through it in its lifetime, wood grips in good shape, etc. Anybody willing to venture a guess as to it's fair market value? Guy isn't looking to clean up necessarily, just wants to get what its worth. (I haven't seen this pistol myself and stand to gain nothing from its sale, just doing a favor for an old guy who is not computer literate) Thanks in advance for any help.

Information

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[Johnny Peppers]

The pistol is a Government Model rather than a Model 1911, meaning it is the civilian version of the Model 1911. The receiver should be marked GOVERNMENT MODEL over the serial number, and the C serial number prefix identify it as civilian. It was made in the 1919/1920 time period, and only a Colt letter will tell when it was shipped. In lesser condition the civilian version doesn't bring what the military model does, and in 75% condition I would expect to see it priced somewhere around $900/1000.

[stryker]

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Thanks! I'll let him know. I'd like to see this thing and judge for myself.