US ARMY COLT 1918 Model of 1911 (offered to me)

[usabaker]

Greetings fellow MILSURPS members,

I was at my friend's the other day and she showed me a US ARMY COLT Model of 1911 that just came in. She offered to me but would like to know what you guys think before I say yes or no.

I was wondering if you fine folks could help me out with this one. There is an owner's back story on this 1911 but, no real paperwork to support it that she knows of yet.

The Colt is well work having around 65% to 70% original finish, Grips worn and cracked, looks to be all original and correct parts internal and external. Bore is strong rifling but slightly dark but might just need a good cleaning.

Serial Number # 241199 which puts it at 1918

On the slide under the pattern Apr 20, 1897 section it reads: Sept 9, 1902. Dec 19, 1905, Feb 14 1911


It also comes with a Military holster and duty belt.

Here are some pictures




Thanks.
Bill

[browningautorifle]

Well worn old example isn't it? I'd take it just because if the price is OK. The holster is nice and the belt is OK also, nothing special though. Belts aren't expensive or very special. The condition of the pistol is such that I'd likely refinish it myself...

[Daan Kemp]

A good honest gun. Well worth having depending on the price. If a good story comes with it, better.

[Tom in N.J.]

The military serial number and lack of "united states property" marking is, to me, a sure sign of of stolen (bring back) pistol. After November that could be a big problem under the United States Code if enforced.

[usabaker]

The military serial number and lack of "united states property" marking is, to me, a sure sign of of stolen (bring back) pistol. After November that could be a big problem under the United States Code if enforced.

Interesting, Were these always Stamped "united states property"? I'm not familiar of what may happen in November.

I only know part of the story because I was not overly interested in it but the gist of the story is that the gentleman who brought it in (consignment) said that his father carried it during WWII and brought it home with him. If what you are saying is true, I'd want nothing to do with it.

[rcathey]

If what you are saying is true, I'd want nothing to do with it.

In picture number three there's a portion of the frame just in front of the slide release with a different finish appearance than the rest of the frame....that's where it should say "UNITED STATES PROPERTY"

That marking being scrubbed off is not uncommon among these, ahem, liberated 1911s.

[usabaker]

In picture number three there's a portion of the frame just in front of the slide release with a different finish appearance than the rest of the frame....that's where it should say "UNITED STATES PROPERTY"

That marking being scrubbed off is not uncommon among these, ahem, liberated 1911s.

AHhhh, I see it now.. thank you for that. I've been reading a lot on this and it seems as you are correct that its common to find the "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and that doesn't necessarily mean that it was liberated. Although I would agree why bother if there were no reason to remove it.

Makes me wonders, how much does scrubbing the "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" off devalue the handgun? I don't even know what the value of these are in the first place the prices are all over the place. I hate it want people say make me an offer.. I feel like saying okay $50.00

[rcathey]

Makes me wonders, how much does scrubbing the "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" off devalue the handgun?

US Military arms are my primary area of focus and I love that property stamp. So for me, personally, it's a huge hit on the value.

This is a nice example, otherwise, and the whole package is nifty. With the marking, I'd value somewhere in the low four figures. Maybe $1,200???

More serious collectors than I can get nit-picky on these leading to the "all over the place" prices. I don't get a lot of enjoyment out of getting that nitty-gritty so maybe my number is low...maybe it's high. I can tell you that I would buy it for $1,200 with the marking.

Without the marking, I'd maybe spend $650ish on it. Again, this is just me talking. Some others may think it doesn't devalue the item that much.

Did your friend throw you a number?

[browningautorifle]

I'd maybe spend $650ish on it

I can go with that price though. I wouldn't pay too much...yes, it's good and to ME the lack of marking isn't much. To me it would be a nice example that's all.

[usabaker]

Without the marking, I'd maybe spend $650ish on it. Again, this is just me talking. Some others may think it doesn't devalue the item that much. Did your friend throw you a number?

It's in her shop for consignment, the person selling it is looking for offers, but you know and in my experience, people who are selling a firearm that belonged to a Father or Grandfather that was "in the war" they always expect way more than the actual value because of the back story and sentimental value. So my guess is it I was to make a reasonable (in our minds) offer, it would get rejected. It will be interesting to watch it play out though because she's closing up shop and moving out of state next month.