Opinions Please On A 1944 1911a1

[yatzee982]

Hello, I was asking a acquaintance of mine about a Colt 1911a1 I am considering purchasing. He gave me alot of good information on it and some advice. The advice was to join Culver's Shooting Page and ask the opinions of the knowledgeable members here about it... so here I am. The pistol in question comes from a good friend of mines family estate. There was an appraisal done on it about 3 years ago by a LGS that placed the value around $3,000 - $3,500. The pistol appears to be a late 1943-44 manufacture in excellent condition with little to no wear. From what I have read on CoolGunSites write up on the serial number and stamps/cartouches lends me to believe those are the dates. One of the things that was mentioned by my friend and I can't find on the pistol is that the muzzle end of the pistol should be discolored if original ? This one isn't but maybe that is due to the Parkerization ? At this point I have more questions then answers so I need to ask for opinions as I try and educate myself. I have taken alot of pictures in hopes of giving a good idea of the condition of the pistol. Any and all help is appreciated .. thank you

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[Major Tom]

IMHO, the pistol has been reparked at some point. To me that is not desirable. The $3000-3500 evaluation seems quite high.

[1563621]

I agree, value should be 1600-1800.

[usmodel1873]

Not so sure, if it is refinished they did a good job and left the small parts alone, some of which are blue, and didn't ruin the sharp lines. Look at the "V/P" on the left side of the trigger guard for evidence of stamping after finish, it should have some bright edges.
However, the slide stop has been changed. Look under the firing-pin stop plate for the SN. The temper lines on the slide are visible but that doesn't mean it isn't refinished.
Interesting that the "G" in the GHD inspection didn't get stamped.

[Duane Hansen]

I think it looks good from what I can see. And if it is all original and correct like it appears, I believe that the price is about right as well. A hands on would be the only 100% sure way to tell for sure.......

[Johnny P]

If there is a serial number under the firing pin stop plate, it won't be to that pistol. The darker color of the small parts is due to their being tempered before the finish was applied. Colt stopped bluing these parts in July of 1941.

I agree that the finish looks original. It would be interesting to know the barrel markings on the left side of the lug, and in front of the lug.

[p246]

Owning one that's reparked I do not believe from pictures this one has been. As mention lines of the gun and stamps are too crisp. I can see the temper lines in the pics. Have you pulled the gun apart to see barrel markings ect. If so and it pans out and I had it in my hands (and it still looked as good as pics) I'd pull the trigger in the low $3000.00 price range. I see it has the usual idiot scratch to.

[yatzee982]

First off let me start by saying thank you for the comments. I have not disassembled the pistol yet so I have not been able to see any of the proofs or serials anywhere. Are there particular serials/proofs that would validate it's authenticity or post/pre refurb status ? I did read about the ones under the firing pin/hammer but not until after I had the actual pistol in hand. I will be giving the pistol a good disassembled look and knowing where to look would be very helpful. I have function tested the slide and the pistol feels very tight with no rattle when shaken. It also comes with 2 magazines... Thank You

p.s. I will get pictures of the parts when disassembled.

[Johnny P]

The pistol doesn't have to be disassembled to check the slide for a serial number. Just lock the slide back, push the firing pin in enough to slide the firing pin stop plate down to see if the slide is serial numbered. As far as is known, the serial numbered slides stopped just prior to the 1.14 million serial number range.

[Scott Gahimer]

I agree finish looks original and that the slide stop has been changed. I'd also be surprised if the slide is numbered to the receiver...but waiting to hear and hopefully see a good picture of the back of the slide, beneath the firing pin stop plate.

[Mike Josephic]

The finish looks original to me. The only non-original part is the slide stop, already mentioned.

I've been looking for a nice '44 Colt like this for some time.

Mike

[p246]

Wouldn't this serial number range have the G stamp on barrel?

[Johnny P]

The large G was last used in the 900,000 serial number range, with the G/N and G/F coming into use. I would expect to see a F in the serial number range of the pistol shown, but if the barrel has been changed it may be anything.

[p246]

Thanks JP for some reason I thought the G was used into the low 1 millions but I couldn't remember cutoff for sure.

[yatzee982]

Thanks for the continued comments. I was able to get more pictures today of the pitol. I was able to disassemble the pistol and get what stamps and markings that where visible. There was no serial under the firing pin plate. I did get stamps on the frame, slide, barrel, barrel lug and I had missed a P stamped on the top of the slide. I wasn't able to find any arsenal refurb stamps anywhere though ? Some of you have mentioned that the slide stop is a replacement part ... how do you know ? I appreciate everyones insight and information on the pistol and I wanted to ask does the $3000 - $3500 seem like a fair price for this pistol ? If not then what would be a fair price ? Thank You

Pics
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Hard to tell from the pic(sorry) but the barrel has an F stamped on it.
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[usmodel1873]

The slide is right after Colt stopped numbering them so it is probably original. The slide stop should be checkered, the serrated didn't come about until 1945. As far as value that seems a bit high w/o being totally original but prices are rising.

[yatzee982]

Thanks usmodel1873, I appreciate that info and your opinion sir. Any and all feedback on this pistol is greatly appreciated, Thank You !