Colt 1911A1 guys, please chime in

[1-M-42]

Friend showed up today with a really nice Colt 1911A1 that he just inherited. story is (yeah, I know, buy the gun, not the story) his friend, who had recently passed away received the .45 from his father. Dad had been in the Army Air Corps, transitioned to the Air Force and retired as a Colonel. The pistol had been issued to him during his entire career and he was allowed to keep it. I'm not up on U.S. pistols and I know that there is a plethora of info out there and enough data to fill many books. Its a six digit serial # (I got a little ambitious with the photo edit) I'm looking for some quick details and possibly an approximate value for him. Here's some pics, let the replies roll....

[1-M-42]

[1-M-42]

[Crunch130]

I'm not a 1911 expert, but wouldn't a USGI 1911A1 have a parkerized finish (or arsenal refinish) rather than bluing? And the fact the bluing shows no wear indicates he had this done by a gunsmith.

If that's the case, the collector value above and beyond its value as a shooter, has been reduced.

Crunch

[1-M-42]

Crunch, I've seen blued and parked, I think it depends on when it was made and if redone at an arsenal. I looked the serial # up and it looks to be 1941 manufacture. It didn't look like a reblue job but, again, I'm not an expert either

Found this site as well, shows one, same serial # range, all marks matching the one he has, and it is blued

http://www.coltautos.com/1911a1ci_729858.htm

[2shotjoe]

I got one that is a year younger, that gun was redone. They really don't go for bunch anyways.

Bruce wished he owned a Droid RAZR.

[GM4spd]

Rare pistol in blue,unfortunately,there is no doubt in my mind it is refinished. I have a friend who
has over 500 1911s and 1911A1 pistols including 3 Singers,all his guns have original finish
although some are worn most of his examples are in extremely great shape,after seeing his
examples it is very easy to spot a restored or refinished pistol. In 1988 I saw him purchase
a consecutive set of US Navy marked 1911s in the 109,000 range,one of the pistols was NEW.

Blued,military 1911A1s in ORIGINAL,excellent condition can go well over 5 grand.

The one in my picture is original,the blue stopped about serial 736,000, my pistol
is in the 728000 range, shipped April 28 ,1941 in a shipment of 2000 pistols
to SA. Pete

[1-M-42]

Pete, Yes, all the pics I'm seeing on line look like yours. I agree that its probably been re done.

[Tonymin]

Looks redone but very nice. Probably worth $1200

[hambam105]

Friends don't allow friends to post the story along with the serial numbers of 1911s.

[RPVFlyer]

Nice looking 1911

[beetle]

looks like a refinish to me too. the prices of even refinished pieces have been going up lately. That one is pretty nice, at auction I'd guess it go for around $1600-$1800.

[NorcalGSG]

Also check to see if it's matching top to bottom.

[OldShooter32]

[kendog4570]

I agree it looks reblued. Also has a relacement hammer. Check to see if there is a serial number underneath the firing pin stop plate. Early Colt 1911-A1's were numbered there.