Need help ascertaining value..

[fastkevin]

I have the opportunity to buy a genuine WW2 Army-issue(apparently stamped 'US Army" on the slide or..) 1911. I haven't seen it yet, but the 'seller' tells me in clean condition it's worth around $2500. I can pick it up for around $800. Kicker is, it apparently needs about $500 in reconditioning. The internals are all there.. From what I understand, it just needs cosmetic help. I know the seller really well, as he's a customer of mine. I have no reason not to trust him, but I'm also gonna thoroughly inspect the weapon before I buy it as well..
Anyway...I'm looking at this as a minor investment.. Are these things worth that much on good condition? Anything I should look for when I'm checking it out?
Thanx in advance!

[Richie Caketown]

from what you say if it can be restored it well worth the 800 ur getting it for , i have seen some good condition WW1 issue 1911s go for 3k with minimal effort here. Buy it now or you will regret it later , if not let another CG member have a crack at it

[nn3453]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it lose its value as a collectible once you recondition/refinish it? Something to think about.

[Miltiades]

Do your research

Go to gunbroker.com and search on closed auctions for similar guns, where a transaction actually took place. Try to correlate the selling price with the condition of the gun.

[B Strong]

I have the opportunity to buy a genuine WW2 Army-issue(apparently stamped 'US Army" on the slide or..) 1911. I haven't seen it yet, but the 'seller' tells me in clean condition it's worth around $2500. I can pick it up for around $800. Kicker is, it apparently needs about $500 in reconditioning. The internals are all there.. From what I understand, it just needs cosmetic help. I know the seller really well, as he's a customer of mine. I have no reason not to trust him, but I'm also gonna thoroughly inspect the weapon before I buy it as well..
Anyway...I'm looking at this as a minor investment.. Are these things worth that much on good condition? Anything I should look for when I'm checking it out?
Thanx in advance!

Once you do any cosmetic "improvements" the value drops rather to a collector.

If the exterior is trashed, it should stay that way.

[fastkevin]

I never even thought about that...I really appreciate the info guys...Thanx a ton!