1944 Colt 1911

[suggakane]

Hi folks! I joined your group in May and mentioned that I have a lot of catching up to do. My father left me an assortment of guns and today I would like to share some pics of the Colt 1911. This will be my first attempt at taking the pics and loading them up. It has 2 magazines that have the "L" Little" mark on the top of the lip on the mags. I also have 3 boxes original boxes of Gov. issued Remington Ball ammo. My dad brought the Colt back home with him when the war ended and he sent all kinds of gear and guns and flags and you name it home while he was in Europe. Im just not sure where he got the ammo, but it was before he left FT Dix in late 1945. Anyway , all comments and suggestions are welcome. I have no Idea of grade or value. I had a thorough cleaning and test fire done at a local range. Thoughts on grade and value? Should I shoot it or save it from use? Is the old ball ammo a collectable ? If not 150+ rds , can I use it?
I intend to keep it, I just don't know if it's a shooter or collectable grade. Thanks in advance guys. Jim

[suggakane]

Some more photos, I hope they help.

[Duane Hansen]

Looks like a nice Colt A1 pistol, I would not shoot it as it has become very collectable and worth three to four times what a good shooter would cost you.

I would definately not shoot the old ammo as it is corrosive. They would be worth somewhere in the $20.00 range per box as display items.

[suggakane]

Duane, Thanks for the feedback. I need it. I also have a 1941 Walther p38 , which I also took to a local range shop and had them do a thorough clean and test fire. It actually had a lot of the old cosmolene in it that they cleaned out and reoiled. It also has two magazines that have matching serials. When I get a chance, I will post some pics of it for your opinion. Thank you again, I appreciate the help. Jim

[Johnny P]

Agree with the above that the value of the Colt as a collectible far exceeds it's value as a shooter. You can go down to your local gun shop and buy a shooter any time you want one, but Colts in that condition are hard to find and expensive. The P.38 is also very collectible, so don't use it as a shooter.

As a suggestion, find a place with enough light that you don't have to use the flash, and use a darker background.

[suggakane]

Johnny P, Thanks for your advice. I will try your tips for taking better photos. This is the 1911 forum and I would not think this is the place for the P-38 photos.Do you know a good spot to put them? Thanks again. Jim

[p246]

I'd probably put in gun talk as there's no German or generic semi auto section. The mods here are stand up. If they have an issue they will move it without chewing half your tail section off. Very nice pistol my grandfathers sent rifles and swords home. A nice Luger or 1911 would have been nice but I ain't mad:-) . Thanks for posting pics.

[Mike Josephic]

suggacane: I have been looking for a decent 1944 Colt to fill a hole in my collection. Please PM me if you
a looking to sell this pistol. I'd also like to see some better pictures. Thanks.