Colt 1911 "We The People" tribute pistol ("Americaremembers.com")

[RobertNashville]

Hello all!

 

I'm wondering if anyone here has had any dealings with "America Remembers" and their various commemorative edition firearms? I suppose I'm wondering how reputable they are/any known issues or problems, etc.?

 

I'm asking because I received a mailing form there regarding this Colt 1911 that has caught my interest:

 

http://www.americaremembers.com/product/colt-we-the-people-tribute-pistol/

 

I don't want to plunk down $2K only to get a worthless, low quality perhaps even unsafe to fire (even thought I would have no plans to fire it - it would strictly be for the pleasure of owning it).

 

Anyway...any opinions and especially personal experience would be helpful.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[A.J. Holst]

They are marketing as a NIB Colt based on this statements, "Each working Colt .45 pistol" and "There is no better canvas for the “We the People” Tribute than the Colt Government Model .45 pistol."

 

Pretty sure they are assuming they will never be fired after, " Craftsmen commissioned specifically by America Remembers decorate..."

 

Should hold value based on, "featured on the left side, near the hammer, is the familiar stylized Colt logo, signifying that each pistol in the edition is an Officially Licensed Colt issue."

 

Of course, this IS a sales/marketing site... 

 

I don't have a clue to the retail cost of a new base model Colt is, but assuming $900 you're paying $1100 for the detail/finish work.

 

Is that a good value for the type of detail work being done?

 

I would do a search like "America Remembers firearms for sale" just to see what's out there to help me in my buying decision.

 

Good luck!

[TripleDigitRide]

From what I understand, they take a factory firearm and have someone "decorate" them. Other than the decorations, they should be the same firearm you'd pick up from and gun shop.

Edited December 13, 2013 by TripleDigitRide

[itchytriggerfinger]

From what I understand, they take a factory firearm and have someone "decorate" them. Other than the decorations, they should be the same firearm you'd pick up from and gun shop.

 

Which I think was pretty cool back in the day when all of this was done by hand.  I'm not saying there isn't work put into creating these, but with today's lasers, they just create design on a PC, jig the slide, and burn it.  Then you just put in the gold inlay.  I know I'm simplifying this, but all I'm saying is I don't see these having as much "value" as the ones we've seen in the past done by hand.

[RobertNashville]

I don't know how much "work" is involved in taking this pistols and doing all the inlay, etc...I would assume that all the engraving is laser engraved and likely "perfect" and "automatic".

 

Overall; how well this holds its value is somewhat important...I'd like to know I'm not getting taken completely to the cleaners with the initial buy but overall, this is something that, like my a975 Series 70 Gold Cup National Match will be in my possession until I'm taking the long dirt nap. ;)

[itchytriggerfinger]

Let me also say it wouldn't hold value with me because I only buy guns to shoot.  :)

[TripleDigitRide]

Here's a Spirit of America that originally sold for $1800. Only 911 made. Has a BIN price of $1350. Zero bids so far.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=381314317

[TripleDigitRide]

Another one selling well below its original selling price. Only 500 made.

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=381695940

 

Seems like all of them on Gunbroker have BIN prices that are several-hundred-dollars less than what they originally sold for.

Edited December 13, 2013 by TripleDigitRide

[Guest TankerHC]

In the 70s someone came out with a colt European theater and Pacific theater commemorative. With box, backing and case I see them all the time for what they cost new, give or take 100 bucks. Like the winchester commemorative i just bought they may be worth more someday, just not today and my commemorative is already 45 year's old. Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2