Gun Value Question

[patsline74]

Hi all,

I had a question regarding the value of my handgun. I got it when my granddad died and it was his service pistol in WW2. It is a Colt 1911 .45. I think it was a rebuild from WW1 because I looked up the manufacturing date on the frame and learned that it was made 1917-1918. If I'm wrong, I would be very happy to hear it. It has general wear from war and the holster, but is overall in good shape with no rust. Looking for an approximate value for curiosity/insurance, not looking to sell.

Also, should I be shooting this gun? I do every now and then because its the only pistol I have but I definitely don't want to do any damage. I haven't put too many rounds through it and will stop if it could hurt the gun. Thanks all!

[psango]

As a family heirloom and part of World War II history, it is priceless. I'm sure someone here will be able to give you an insurance value. I'd never let it out of the family.

Very nice 1911!

[dustoff31]

A very nice looking pistol. It looks to have been reworked at some point as it has the 1911A1 curved mainspring housing, and appears to have a parkerized finish, but maybe that's just the way the pics turned out.

Does it have AA or SA stampings somewhere around the triggerguard?

According to the 27th Ed. "Bluebook of Gun Values" 1911 reworks are valued in the range of $350 - $650, but that does sound rather low.

[patsline74]

"As a family heirloom and part of World War II history, it is priceless. I'm sure someone here will be able to give you an insurance value. I'd never let it out of the family.
Very nice 1911

Thanks, and I agree, priceless. I will definitely be keeping this one.

A very nice looking pistol. It looks to have been reworked at some point as it has the 1911A1 curved mainspring housing, and appears to have a parkerized finish, but maybe that's just the way the pics turned out.

Does it have AA or SA stampings somewhere around the triggerguard?

According to the 27th Ed. "Bluebook of Gun Values" 1911 reworks are valued in the range of $350 - $650, but that does sound rather low.

I see what looks like S12, but no AA or SA. There was also a very small 28 on the bottom of the trigger guard.

[dustoff31]

"As a family heirloom and part of World War II history, it is priceless. I'm sure someone here will be able to give you an insurance value. I'd never let it out of the family.
Very nice 1911

Thanks, and I agree, priceless. I will definitely be keeping this one.



I see what looks like S12, but no AA or SA. There was also a very small 28 on the bottom of the trigger guard.

Those most likely are arsenal marks. If it is parked, that's telling as 1911's were blued.

But your right, it is priceless.

[HowardW56]

As a family heirloom and part of World War II history, it is priceless. I'm sure someone here will be able to give you an insurance value. I'd never let it out of the family.

Very nice 1911!

Cherish that gun, if it were in my family, I would never consider selling it

[Rob454]

Real worth probably somewhere around 6-700$ or so
Sentimental value priceless. My grandpa left me a .45 he had in WWII.They still have it in Montana. I wouldn't sell it simply because the 6-700$ i would get for it pales to what that gun meant to my grandpa.

[patsline74]

Real worth probably somewhere around 6-700$ or so
Sentimental value priceless. My grandpa left me a .45 he had in WWII.They still have it in Montana. I wouldn't sell it simply because the 6-700$ i would get for it pales to what that gun meant to my grandpa.

Same feeling here. When I found it it was loaded in his bed side table, and I know of two times he got a burglar to turn tail and run with a well timed chambering of a round.

[CenterX]

Go check out the Colt http://forum.m1911.org/index.php? website and you will more than likely get a bump in value.
Don't sell it, but you could shoot it if it isn't pristine. I would and love every round cutting the paper x.

[devildog999]

Very nice gun