100 year old 1911...Need a little advice.....

[Aligater]

I inherited a CF Colt 1911 U.S. Army Colt Serial 688XX...Manufactured in 1914 (over 100 years old). it was reworked at Augusta Arsenal. Other marks:
Colts PT. F.A. Mfg CO.
Patented April 20 1897 September 9 1902
December 19 1905. February 14 1911 Aug 19 1913
United States Property A A the little horse on the back of the slide.

Black Army finish is near 100%, and it looks like all the parts are original to this gun except, of course, the springs.... Just had a small car wreck and need some money...guess I'll put it on gunbroker.........any idea what might be a fair asking price?

thanks,

[Johnny P]

Normally when a 1911 is reworked it is given a phosphate finish. That said, not all 1911's with an arsenal mark are reworked. The black finish was not a durable finish, and it would be very unusual for it to be 100%, but it did not start until approximately serial number 330000. You really need to post photos. Sounds like phosphate (Parkerized) finish.

[PhillipM]

Is the rear sight squared off or rounded like an ellipse?

[Johnny P]

Rear sight changed from rounded to flat top at about 60000.

[Aligater]

This one is rounded off like the letter U...

[Aligater]

I want to show everyone pictures of this gun.....but, I don't know how to post them.....can I email them.....

[Aligater]

That's absolutely the kind of sight it has....how do you post pictures?

[Chaz]

38030

[Chaz]

That was a quick reply! I'm not sure how to explain so give me a minute to think about it. Chaz

[Chaz]

Okay, open the reply to thread box and "Go Advanced." Find the insert image icon and click on it to open that window. Then click on "From Computer." Then click "Select Files." That will open a file window from which you select "Pictures" (or documents or videos, ete.)...find the picture(s) you want to attach and click "open." Then return to the "insert image" box and click on "Upload File." Gibberish will appear in the message. Next preview the post and the photos should be there. 38033

Now if I only knew how to erase the Colt on the pink background before posting this!

[Deano41]

check your "pm's"

[Chaz]

Deano, Bruce in Fresno sent you a pm. "Chaz"

[Aligater]

380343803538036

[Aligater]

I'll be damned...it worked. I posted pix......if you would like more pix, I will post them, I need the practice.....but, back to the original question: if I put it on gunbroker, what would be a good asking price? ....had a little fender bender and I need a few bucks....thanks,

[Aligater]

Deano, Bruce in Fresno sent you a pm. "Chaz"

How do I find it....nothing new in my private messages.............

[Deano41]

Sorry aligater, I sent a pm to chaz. I was having another "senior moment" (and I qualify for them), and thought chaz was the one asking the question about the 1911.

In looking in "The Standard Catalog Fo Military Firearm" , a five digit Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army, the value is

Exc. V.G. Good Fair
5000 2800 1750 2000(that's got to be a misprint)

There are other details involved, which should be considered

[Johnny P]

The pistol has been refinished in phosphate, and probably at Augusta Arsenal ( AA ). The slide appears to be from a 1916 vintage pistol, and the rear sight is not the round top variety.

http://i67.tinypic.com/29blpo4.jpg

[Aligater]

First, I want to thank everyone for their comments...given what you told me and the range of prices given by Deno41,,,,Maybe I can try listing it on gunbroker at about $3900........again, thanks for the advice.........

[Johnny P]

That should generate some discussion at the auction.

[Aligater]

That should generate some discussion at the auction.

Is that too high? too low? .............help

[John C]

May want to take a look on the various gun auction sites for pistols like yours and what they are "selling" for. Possibly Google "WW1 1911 pistol" then click on imagines, these usually lead to ended auctions which will reveal what the high bid was. My guess is that a more realistic selling price for your pistol would be $1,500 tops. Take into consider the finish isn't original, the grips aren't original, barrel......who knows. Just my .02$

[PhillipM]

The pistol has been refinished in phosphate, and probably at Augusta Arsenal ( AA ). The slide appears to be from a 1916 vintage pistol, and the rear sight is not the round top variety.

http://i67.tinypic.com/29blpo4.jpg

What are the 1916 clues? Aren't 1916's rare?

[Johnny P]

What are the 1916 clues? Aren't 1916's rare?

Right side slide marking is higher on the 1916 date Model 1911, and while the 1916's are scarce that doesn't help on a 1914 date receiver.

[Aligater]

Thanks John...that's all I wanted to know.