Colt 1911A1 guys, please chime in

[DontTreadOnMeBro714]

My father just recently received my grandfathers 1911, pretty much exactly similar to this one. It was his service sidearm for 25+ years while serving in the Navy. He retired as a submarine captain after serving in the end of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Cuban Missle Crisis. It definitely has not been refinished as it does have some rust. When my grandma-in-law gave it to my dad a couple of months ago it was in pretty bad shape but we cleaned it up pretty well and took it to the range. Hadn't been fired in probably 40 years or so and was sending deadly accurate lead down range without a hitch. I was VERY impressed and look forward to one day (hopefully in the long off future) having it as my own.

So my question is, assuming it hasn't been reblued, it's all original, with the US Mil engraving and everything, how much would the value be? I in no way would sell it, but just for understanding of value. If I can I will post pics, but it's in a Vegas w my parents.

[hambam105]

Ever wonder why you see the same guys selling the same over-priced stuff at the same table at the same Gunshow year in and year out? Because people who just want to know what it worth waltz down the isle and gladly fork over hardware brought home from another time and another country for pennies on the dollar to an honest dealer.

[highpower]

Your friends pistol is one of approximately 50,000 that was inspected by Col. Robert Sears in 1941. They are a fairly rare variation of Colt martially marked 1911-A1's. Yes, it has indeed been refinished and that greatly affects the value as it no longer has any of the finish it left the factory with.

While some might try to get big dollars out of it, collectors will shun it due to the refinish. Personally, I would be in the market at $800 or so, I would rather pay twice as much for a somewhat worn original finish example.

[GM4spd]

Your friends pistol is one of approximately 50,000 that was inspected by Col. Robert Sears in 1941..

"RS" inspected pistols start about 725,000 and ended about 749,000. Blued
pistols stopped about 736k after that they were parked. Pete

[Paulie Lugnuts]

Original WWII 1911s generally go for $1500 and up. If you can buy it for $1000 or less, I'd say get it. Its such an iconic gun that I don't think you'd regret having one.