Help. How much is this gun worth?

[Diggs]

You might want to make the same post at

https://www.coltforum.com

The people there can be helpful. I had a "reaction" to one of the photos' (the one with the pony) that made me think its been refinished at some point - possibly many years ago. Thats's just my reaction and I could be wrong and I'm not expert. My dad left me a similar pistol and I cherish it greatly. Knowing he used it in WWII matters a great deal to me so it has no dollar value to me.

No idea if it has been refinished... As far as I know it was buried in amongst boxes of stuff left behind by my uncle.

[glockman19]

Based on the serial number it was manufactured in 1943.

Based on the 28th edition...a couple of years old...The Blue Book of guns has it valued at:

98% @ $2,500

Sorry to hear about your cousin.

[Diggs]

Um, in a word NO!

People new to the 1911 often damage it the first time they take it apart.
Leave it alone. The "1911 idiot mark scratches" are a common outcome of somebody inexperienced taking it apart and re-assembling it.

He's not trying to prep it for use, hes trying to get the most "bucks for his bang" (so to speak) as he can get.

I won't be attempting anything like that. I am not a gun guy and I don't want to hurt any potential value in this as a collectible. I am a baseball card collector myself so I know condition is a huge factor in value. It stays as is until I can sell it.

[tonelar]

I know a guy with one of these that he was trying to sell for $2,000. Externally, it was definitely more beat up than yours. On closer inspection a lot of the parts were mismatched and he was given a value of only about $750.
So, if yours is genuine and unmodified internally you can expect better than $2500.

However, in these times, a lot of collectibles are going unsold. Definitely warrants a visit to a Colt forum, or even a reputable gunsmith/ collector. Don't sell it short without a good evaluation.

[Picasso2]

OK, I'll offer 2k for a piece of history and to help you with the bills.
Picasso

[McTerry]

Um, in a word NO!

People new to the 1911 often damage it the first time they take it apart.
Leave it alone. The "1911 idiot mark scratches" are a common outcome of somebody inexperienced taking it apart and re-assembling it.

He's not trying to prep it for use, hes trying to get the most "bucks for his bang" (so to speak) as he can get.

Good point.

[loose_electron]

Based on the serial number it was manufactured in 1943.

Based on the 28th edition...a couple of years old...The Blue Book of guns has it valued at:

98% @ $2,500

Sorry to hear about your cousin.

Glockman - good - I don't have a copy of the B-Book .

All that said, Why don't you put it on the marketplace here at $3000 asking price or best offer? Since its unregistered, you will need to deal with the legal issues, but a local FFL (federal firearm License holder, any gun store is a FFL) can help you sort that out.

Hope the medical thing works out for the best, been there B4.

[McTerry]

Found this as well: 1911A1 Production Numbers Link

Edit to add: Apparently somebody beat me to it. Sorry for the repeated info.

[morrcarr67]

Found this as well: 1911A1 Production Numbers Link

If you look at the link above you will find that the serial number on this frame was assigned to Ithaca and this pistol has a Colt slide. That is gonna knock the value of this gun down. It's also gonna bring up questions about the finish.

[glockman19]

If you look at the link above you will find that the serial number on this frame was assigned to Ithaca and this pistol has a Colt slide. That is gonna knock the value of this gun down. It's also gonna bring up questions about the finish.

I noticed that too...

[redcliff]

I'd post the pictures and information you provided here: http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30

There are serious collectors there that may be willing to give you a good estimation of value, especially in light of the circumstances with your cousin. I wish you and your cousin all the best.

[Diggs]

Thanks for all the great input.

When I sell it, I get that I will have to go to a licensed dealer. Are there any issues in selling an unregistered handgun in a private party I should be aware of?

[Diggs]

I'd post the pictures and information you provided here: http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30

There are serious collectors there that may be willing to give you a good estimation of value, especially in light of the circumstances with your cousin. I wish you and your cousin all the best.

I have actually posted there (at the suggestion of an earlier poster) and am getting similar responses.

For those who'd like to know more...

My Cousin had a cancer in his lip that grew into his Jaw. He had a 14 hour surgery over a year ago, had half his lower jaw removed and rebuilt with bone harvested from his leg. He went through radiation. and continues to rehab. He had his most recent surgery (I've lost count how many now) to help repair his face and lip and add a prosthetic set of lower teeth just last week. He has been unable to work since this happened and even though he has insurance, he is struggling financially. Health wise he is recovering slowly but steadily. He'll never be 100% but he is getting better every day.

[Diggs]

I just found out the following from my cousin.

My Uncle's name is Sidney Friedman (My father's much older half brother) and he was in the Air Force. (A branch of the Army back then) Stationed in England in 1943, he was a Staff Sergeant and a Gunner.

[Fishslayer]

Oh my...