My friend has an older Colt 1911 .45 ACP he wants to sell. Based on the serial number, the gun appears to be manufactured in 1918. Can anyone tell me what it is worth? Here are some pics:

I wish I had the money, I am drooling right now.

That is beautiful. Honestly, I don't know, and in this instance, would send the pic's, s/n and info to Colt directly and let them place a value on it, and they would be able to tell you about the gun's history as well.

Awesome military firearm there! Agree with Janie that you should contact Colt or take it to a good truthful gun shop to have it looked at.

My guess solely on looks would be 1000-3000$ The grips are WW2 not WW1 which leads me to the assumption that it was sent to the arsenal to be serviced for WW2. Which was very common. Google arsenal markings for the 1911 WW1 to WW2 and you will be able to see what has been done from the markings in certain spots. I would suggest contacting Colt as well because for a nominal fee they will send an official letter stating when and where it went as far as records can find. Very nice pistol, I have one from the same year.

I appreciate the info everyone provided. I will let my friend know what was said and that it looks as though it would be best to contact colt directly. Here's a couple of more pics. Thanks.

Finally got the authentication letter back from Colt. What do you think it's worth?

Sorry I don't know about the value of the gun, but I am curious how much that letter cost? I have a Colt 1917 revolver that I'd been thinking about getting a letter for.

I think its $50. Maybe 2B will let us know.

This.

It cost $100 to have research done on a 1911 semi-auto pistol. I think revolvers are less. I attached the latest price list I could find from Colt.


http://www.colt.com/Portals/0/colt%20med...rice%20List.pdf

Back TTT

I have a 1918 colt in similar condition, with original grips, no letter. I paid around 1500.00 about five years ago. It is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, but as someone else said probably in 1-3000 range.

I think the 1-3k estimate is as accurate as you can expect for pictures.

You may wish to troll gunbroker for completed auctions for another price perspective. Be sure to only compare price of completed auctions with multiple bidders.

Another thing to consider... The CMP is going to start selling some GI 1911s in the next year or so. I would expect theres to hit the market at a fair street price in the same 1-3k range, with special samples going straight to their auction site. In my opinion, this will liiely ncrease interest in tthe market and increase prices

you could contact Jackson Arms, Dallas

or

Collectors Firearms, Houston

they may shed some light, the letter of authentication from Colt will pay for itself if he sells it


blue book says 98% $4750

60% $1000

I appreciate the replies. He's in no hurry to sell the pistol, so I will check out the recommended sources to determine value. Thanks.