Help IDing a M 1911A1

[raymeketa]

This pistol is in an estate. I'm trying to help the owner with any details of age, value, etc. I know a lot about the M1911 but am far from an expert. So, I'm turning to you guys for any comments you may have.

Here are photos of most of the important markings etc. I'll let them speak for me. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

TIA

Ray

[KeithNyst]

Appears to be a nice looking 1942 Colt. In this serial number range Colt also stamped the serial number on the rear of the slide underneath the firing pin retainer. If the number on the slide does not match, it will reduce value quite a bit. I would expect the barrel to be marked with a large G on it's bottom and COLT 45 AUTO on the left rear. The Mainspring housing should be checkered.

If the finish is original and all the parts are as well, I'd guess in $2500-$3500 range, but I have not bought a Colt in quite a while, so I could be off.

[raymeketa]

Keith

Thanks for those great tips. Everything looks original. Serial number under the f.p. stop. G and COLT 45 AUTO on bottom of barrel. Arched housing is checkered. I have not stripped it down any further to look for other marks.

Thanks again.

Oh, yeah. On the value guesstimate - WOW!!!

Ray

[KeithNyst]

Ray, does the magazine have any marking on it ... top or bottom of the lip or on the bottom of the base?

[raymeketa]

Keith

I am familiar with the different magazines so I looked for marks but could not find any. He has 3 magazines and all appear to be unmarked. So, I'm not sure if they are original to the pistol.

ray

[Johnny P]

No way to know if they are original to pistol, but if unmarked pin base they are the correct type.

[raymeketa]

Thanks Johnny P.

The magazines are at his house. I borrowed the pistol to take photos. I'll see him tomorrow and take a closer look at the magazines. I looked at them for any marks but didn't really look for the pins. Weren't some of the pins ground off where they are hard to see?

Ray

[Waltherman]

Nice USGI Colt, $2500+++ ?

[raymeketa]

Thanks Waltherman. He'd be happy with an estimate half of that. ;-)

Ray