Is $2000 an unresonable amount to ask?

[FLHTC]

I have a colt 1911A1 from what I can gather it was made in 1918. The prefix of the serial number is "C" which I've been told denotes Commercial. I have the original mag(s) and two US holsters. I love the gun but I don’t shoot it, I was thinking of selling it to buy something else. What are your thoughts on the asking price?

 

[facialhairtuesday]

I don't have very much experience with 1911s of this vintage, but I just saw a Colt 1911 fro 1914 (I think) at Roach's Sporting Goods in Cambridge, and it was going for like $2500 I think, so you're in the ballpark with that at least..

 

[Rob Boudrie]

At that price level, you might find the investment in a Colt historical letter worthwhile.

 

[FLHTC]

At that price level, you might find the investment in a Colt historical letter worthwhile.

So I guess I would contact Colt with the serial number and they would give me the history of the gun?

 

[EddieCoyle]

Were A1s made as early as 1918?

 

[terraformer]

Were A1s made as early as 1918?

No. This has to be a std 1911 if the date is right. $2000 may be low. There were far fewer commercial units out there.

 

[FLHTC]

Were A1s made as early as 1918?

I belive what I have is a A1 but when I looked up the serial number it came up with a date of MFG as 1918

 

[EddieCoyle]

I think the A1s came out in the mid 1920's.

 

[FPrice]

It is easy to detemine if it is a 1911 or 1911A1. Are there relief cuts on the frame behind the trigger? The shape of the mainspring housing is arched on the A1 model but this part can be replaced so it's not s definitive ID feature. There are other minor differences also.

 

[terraformer]

I belive what I have is a A1 but when I looked up the serial number it came up with a date of MFG as 1918

Given it's commercial, you should definitely get a certificate from colt before doing anything. That will give you the best indication of when it was mfgd. If it is an A1, it may be later and not as valuable.

 

[bfm]

The other thing that will affect price is originality. Has it been refinished, does it have the original grips, what kind of wear does it show, etc.

 

[FLHTC]

The other thing that will affect price is originality. Has it been refinished, does it have the original grips, what kind of wear does it show, etc.

I'm new to posting pictures but I did post one of the gun, maybe I did it wrong, can you guys see the picture?

 

[FPrice]

PM sent.

 

[Pilgrim]

first A1 was 1928, I think.

I think the $2k is way high.

So I guess I would contact Colt with the serial number and they would give me the history of the gun?

go to the Colt web site and they'll tell you the procedure and cost of an authentication letter.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

So I guess I would contact Colt with the serial number and they would give me the history of the gun?

The don't GIVE you anything. The historical letter is not cheap - $100 in the case of your gun (see the details at http://www.coltsmfg.com/archive.aspx).

I expect that it's not just a matter of a database lookup - chances are the old records have not been converted and someone actually has to look through file cabinets to dig out the info.

Their price list also shows that Colt wants to be cut in for part of the action when the letter documents value - note the surcharges to confirm items that increase the value of the gun (factory engraving, famous recipients of the gun, etc.). Colt also charges (but at a reduced rate) to look even if they can provide no information other than "no info found".

 

[Cato]

Serial numbers for 1918 commercial range from C99000 - C105999

 

[terraformer]

I think the $2k is way high.

Not if it's a 1918 mfg commercial 1911 it isn't.
http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?cPath=156_165_159
The lowest one is $2750. The highest is almost $5K.

ETA: Obviously condition is an issue here. I am assuming > 90%.

 

[Cato]

Serial numbers for 1918 commercial range from C99000 - C105999

Had to pull out another book.

Commercial 1911A1s started in 1924 with serial number C135000

 

[terraformer]

There's a pic in the OP that isn't showing. If you look at it, you see it may be an A1. The date of mfg must be different than what was supposed. Anything made in 1918 had lanyard loops on the mags and the gun. This has neither. It's in decent shape too.

http://s690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/pgiorgio_2009/?action=view&current=Colt3.jpg&newest=1

 

[EddieCoyle]

It doesn't look like an A1 - No cutout behind the trigger, straight backstrap, and long spur hammer.

It looks like a 1911.

 

[FPrice]

It doesn't look like an A1 - No cutout behind the trigger, straight backstrap, and long spur hammer.

It looks like a 1911.

Agreed.

 

[Pilgrim]

I edited the OP to see the pic.

definitely NOT an A1.

I want it.

 

[FLHTC]

wow a lot of good information. Thanks guys

 

[jim/boston]

Now you did it..I had to go pull my 1911 out of the safe and give it a look-see. Serial # C 995xx. Someone once told me it was made in 1919. What do I have (which model?) thanks for your input. jim

 

[terraformer]

I have never seen an american gun with caliber spelled calibre. That may have some significance.

 

[jim/boston]

My Thompson 1928a1 submachinegun made in 1942 has it spelled that way..hmmmm

 

[terraformer]

My Thompson 1928a1 submachinegun made in 1942 has it spelled that way

Then maybe I am wrong and the american gun industry went through a UK fan boy stage.


ETA: I see you added a pic. If the pic is accurate and I can't see a proof mark because it's not there, 1919 is a good bet. From late 1919 until the early 20s they stopped stamping proof marks (located above the mag release).

 

[jim/boston]

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it. Maybe its an old style of spelling?? Why did they drop the proof mark for that time period?(there is none on my 1911)

 

[terraformer]

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it. Maybe its an old style of spelling??

It's "English" as in british in usage, though originally derived from french. Hence the UK fan boy joke.

 

[jim/boston]

It's "English" as in british in usage, though originally derived from french. Hence the UK fan boy joke.

Got it; I was thinking along the lines of 'ye olde tyme' grammar.