Old "commerial" Colt 1911

[Guest tokarev]

Today, I saw a Colt 1911 (not 1911A1) at the local gun shop. A guy had brought in four different guns that he had gotten from his late grandfather.

One of them looked to be a "commercial" 1911, as far as we could make out in a book of gun values. There was no "U.S." markings anywhere on it and it looked like about all of the bluing had been worn off. The mainspring housing was not only flat, but was also smooth with no grooves or checkering. Fixed front and rear sights. A long trigger, a high ejection port and a nonscalloped frame by the trigger guard is also what made me think that it was a plain 1911 as compared to a 1911A1. The grips were the only part that wasn't oringinal as far as I could see.

I told him that his best bet would be to find a collector (and to say that it was not for sale) and ask what the value might be.

It was a neat old gun and I was tempted to make an offer, but I had no idea of the value and didn't want to cheat him OR(!) me in a deal.

Anyone have a guesstament of what it would be worth based on the details that I gave?

[141FE]

Check the serial number. Commercial models will start with a "C".

What was he asking for it? Value really depends on how original it is and would start at around $500.

My guesstament - $750 plus or minus $100.

[Guest gcrookston]

Prior to WW2, colt 1911 commercials were identical to the U.S. GI, with a few exceptions (the National Match, for example).

Beginning in 1912 and continuing through 1923 (ser# C1-C133999), The model of 1911 Commercial was produced. It will differ from the USGI M 1911 by the application of the roll mark on the slide: instead of Model of 1911 / U.S. Caliber .45, it will say Colt Automatic / Calibre .45, and of course no property of inspector marks.

Only those manufactured prior to 1914 (ser# pre C5400) and those in prestine condition will fetch anywhere near what a USGI model will bring in NRA Good Condition.

Based upon your description of lacking the original grips and 0% finish, $500 would be an exceptionally generous offer IMHO

Edited June 1, 2008 by gcrookston

[Guest tokarev]

$500 is about what I thought too. I just don't know enough about the values of Colts enough to have made an offer.

I'm kinda stretched a might thin as it is. I've picked up three pistols in the last month as it is. One I can't wait to get to the range. S&W .44 magnum moutain gun.

[Guest CleanSeries80]

is the area on the frame behined the trigger scalloped?

[Guest Grout]

Don't go by "price guides" for determining the value of Colts today.Prices on Colts have gone through the roof in the last few years.Edit:After looking on Gunbroker $500 for one with no finish would look to be a fair price.

Edited June 1, 2008 by Grout

[Guest tokarev]

"is the area on the frame behined the trigger scalloped?"

No.