Late War (1945) Ithaca 1911a1

[SoldierLife7]

I have the opportunity to acquire a 1945 Ithaca 1911a1...

It is in pretty good condition and appears to be all original and correct except for the barrel. My research says that it should have a High Standard barrel, and it has a Colt barrel in it. Original finish is strong with signs of handling and holster-wear marks (as is common on these guns). It does have an idiot scratch, but it's definitely not the worst one I have seen...

It comes with a (Korean War era holster, pistol belt, and two period correct magazines that are all in great shape.

My question is this:

In the world of serious collectors, does the fact that it was made extremely late in the war have any impact on value or desirability?

Since we all like to see pics (sorry for the crappy cell phone pic):
Ithaca.jpg

[aghauler]

I have the opportunity to acquire a 1945 Ithaca 1911a1...

It is in pretty good condition and appears to be all original and correct except for the barrel. My research says that it should have a High Standard barrel, and it has a Colt barrel in it. Original finish is strong with signs of handling and holster-wear marks (as is common on these guns). It does have an idiot scratch, but it's definitely not the worst one I have seen...

It comes with a (Korean War era holster, pistol belt, and two period correct magazines that are all in great shape.

My question is this:

In the world of serious collectors, does the fact that it was made extremely late in the war have any impact on value or desirability?

Since we all like to see pics (sorry for the crappy cell phone pic):
[ATTACH]841819[/ATTACH]

Sounds like a nice Ithaca package and here's its twin a personal sidearm from a heavy bomber pilot from the South Pacific:



I obtained it back when I was an 01 FFL 1985-1995, and guy wanted a S&W 45acp so he traded this to me as part of the price of the S&W, he was happy with the $200 "credit" I gave him!

[warbird]

i carried an Ithica from 1967 to 1969 and would liked to have kept it but some colonel wanted as his personal firearm when i left the service. i thought about finding one but the prices were always too high so I have my memories of a sloppy firearm that kept me safe and brought me home. was mine all original? How did i know but it was like a Timex watch and kept right on shooting.

[highpower]

Condition and originality is generally more important than date of manufacture for guns produced during WWII. The exceptions are Union Switch & Signal and Singers. The Ithaca in your picture looks to be in very good condition and the Colt barrel will sell for more than a type 18 HS or type 19 Flannery barrel (either would be correct) should cost. The price they are asking for it will determine if it is worth acquiring.

I paid $1200 for the 1943 Ithaca (bottom) in the picture a few years ago. It is in about 94%+ condition and came with a correct WWII Scovill contract magazine.

[Spartan301]

Ithaca!

Looks in good shape OP.

If in original, non arsenal rebuild condition. I would think it would be worth more because of less wear and tear.

It would defiantly be worth more than a CMP 1911. JMHO

Here is some pics of my late war manufactured Ithaca.

[aghauler]

You all do know he Ithacas are the only manufacturer where original factory shipping records exist from what I was told by 1911 collectors. There was theft at the plant so I believe the FBI got the shipping records, some years after the war they were going to be destroyed but someone rescued them before that happened. This was how provenance was confirmed on mine as it was was shipped to an AFB where "Heavy Bomber Crews" were being assembled to go to the South Pacific. (Which coincides with the info I was given)
Maybe post it on the 1911 forum with serial and info to see what they can give you. Great Score!

Nic pics Highpower!!!!

[SoldierLife7]

Thank you all for sharing pictures and information! I love these old 1911s!

[Spaffo]

Nice pistol. Thanks for sharing.

[aghauler]

Looks in good shape OP.

If in original, non arsenal rebuild condition. I would think it would be worth more because of less wear and tear.

It would defiantly be worth more than a CMP 1911. JMHO

Here is some pics of my late war manufactured Ithaca.

[ATTACH]841944[/ATTACH][ATTACH]841945[/ATTACH]

Nice!! Ever check the serial number to see where it was delivered to from the factory, may give you some provenance.