Army Issue
Monday, February 8th, 2010What's the value of a Colt model 1911 A1, US Army issue?
I have a Colt model 1911 A1, Army issue pistol. It's a .45 cal, been through WWII, and has the original white grips (with the Franzite emblem). I don't want to buy the Blue Book for just one item....anyone have any ballpark ideas? Thanks!!
It's very hard to say without seeing a photo and knowing the manufacturer, which has a large role in the value.
According to Wikipedia, the 1911 was produced by Remington Rand (900,000 produced), Colt (400,000), Ithaca Gun Company (400,000), Union Switch & Signal (50,000), Singer (500), the Springfield Armory and Rock Island Arsenal. The really rare versions such as Singer or early Colt or Springfield Armory production can be worth many thousands of dollars if they are in good original condition and not modified in any way. I just saw an Ithaca in a Cabela's outlet in Texas priced at almost $4,000. I'm suspicious of yours already because I don't think the government bought any with white Franzite grips. I believe most government guns had walnut or brown plastic grips. The major metal parts also need to match. It's not unusual to find .45s built up with a slide from Springfield Armory and a frame from Remington Rand or even a commercial frame. While such a gun is fine as a shooter or as the basis for a custom gun, it has no value to collectors. I once owned a .45 with a very old slide from Springfield and a frame from Colt. It shot fine, but was worth about the same as any similar used commercial .45.
Because the value of your gun could be considerable, I'd try to find a dealer or collector with lots of background on the 1911 to get a good estimate of the value. Do your homework and don't be too quick to take an offer. The world is full of people looking for rare guns in the hands of people who don't know what they have. BTW, there's some pretty bad advice on this thread.
I hope it turns out to be rare and valuable. Good luck!