Need a value for a 1911

[KimberJoe]

I have a 1911 that I haven't had out of my safe in about 3 years and I have no idea what it is worth.

I have a pretty major surgery coming up and want to sell it to help with the expense but don't want to be taken advantage of, so I'm hoping someone here can give me an idea of what it is worth. I know there are some pretty knowledgable people here on these.

It shoots very well and has no slop like the one I carried in the Army. Thanks for any input you can provide.

It's a Colt Serial #224xxx

[rockcreek]

Is it U.S. property stamped? If it is all correct, it is worth a few bucks.

[Squib Joe]

You have a WWI firearm and much of it looks correct. I wouldn't trust an appraisal that doesn't involve a physical examination of the gun, but I can tell you that even a 50-60% condition, unaltered WWI 1911 will start at 1000.00 and go up from there.

[KimberJoe]

Is it U.S. property stamped? If it is all correct, it is worth a few bucks.

Yes it is, but the stamp is discolored a little.

[philly1911]

I'm no expert but the local Scheels here in Mankato has a cpl old Colts like that. One is $1300 and the other is $2000, just for reference. The cheaper one is in the same shape as yours, I would have it checked out but I bet yours is probably worth that if not more.

[tman]

There is a USGI sub-forum on the 1911 forum I've linked below. Some of the country's top experts view and post there.


http://forums.1911forum.com/

Be prepared to post good, clear, well-lit photographs of the individual parts, like slide, frame, barrel, with any markings visible.

Good luck. Shooter grade guns are worth about $800, from what I've read. Collector grade guns can get crazy expensive.

It looks like someone attempted to conceal the US govt property stamp on that gun. That'll probably kill the value.

[ROADGUY]

Trying to see the arsenal or cartouche looks like GHS (found on Colts between serial # 101,500 to 230,00). & also is your barrel marked with any letters Should be an HP for the serial # given probally not a transition year which would bring more money but any more info or pics of markings would be great also what does the floorplate on the magazine have on it looking forward to help with some more info always good to see a period gun . NIce Colt!

[KimberJoe]

I have a Dr appointment tommorow in the Twin Cities at the U of M, any shops there I can get it appraised at?

[KimberJoe]

Trying to see the arsenal or cartouche looks like GHS (found on Colts between serial # 101,500 to 230,00). & also is your barrel marked with any letters Should be an HP for the serial # given probally not a transition year which would bring more money but any more info or pics of markings would be great also what does the floorplate on the magazine have on it looking forward to help with some more info always good to see a period gun . NIce Colt!

Barrel has AG and I ? on the upper, 8 or b and p below.

GHS for the mark is what it looks like.

I have a few mags for it, most are newer though, being ex military they don't store the mags in them, they get mixed in with all the rest. At least they did when I was carrying one as a medic.

[45Badger]

There is a USGI sub-forum on the 1911 forum I've linked below. Some of the country's top experts view and post there.


http://forums.1911forum.com/

Be prepared to post good, clear, well-lit photographs of the individual parts, like slide, frame, barrel, with any markings visible.

Good luck. Shooter grade guns are worth about $800, from what I've read. Collector grade guns can get crazy expensive.

It looks like someone attempted to conceal the US govt property stamp on that gun. That'll probably kill the value.

Ask Dana Kamm (user name DSK) for help identifying and putting a value on this gun. He is the admin for the 1911forum.com. Dana is an expert with GI Colts and a great and helpful guy.

[FJ540]

Al of Al's Gun Shop in White Bear Lake might be worth checking in with. He's always been big on collectibles, and is very knowledgeable.

[Squib Joe]

Barrel has AG and I ? on the upper, 8 or b and p below.

It should have an "H" and a "P" on the visible areas of the barrel

[RobD]

FWIW, I would never put a full serial number on the interwebz.

Usually guys can do with "X"ing out the last few digits to help identify.

[KimberJoe]

Barrel has AG and I ? on the upper, 8 or b and p below.

It should have an "H" and a "P" on the visible areas of the barrel

Upon closer look under better light it could be an "h" before the "p", can't tell if it's a "b" "8" or even "s", since they are all so similar. It's a deep stamp so not completely clear.

The A and G are very clear on the barrel itself, followed by either an "I" or an artifact from the edge of the stamping. The other h? and p are on the little doohickey that has the swivel ring on it. Sorry for not using proper terms, never been much of an armorer.

As to posting the serial number, hadn't given much thought to it, I guess I'm just too trusting. Since it's a little late to close that door I'll just have to live with. The only thing I know about the gun is that is has been out of circulation for at least 50 years, maybe even 60 or 70. It was owned by a great uncle who died about 15 years ago and the family gave it to me since the mere sight of a firearm makes them wet their pants. They found it in a sock drawer and wouldn't even touch it, called me to get it out of there, so I don't think it has a nefarious past.

I'll probably give Al's a try since those are the best pics my camera can produce.

Thanks for all your help.

[RobD]

As to posting the serial number, hadn't given much thought to it, I guess I'm just too trusting. Since it's a little late to close that door I'll just have to live with.

I'd still edit the post and take the image down...

While the guys here are trustworthy, all you need is some yahoo from the internet to stumble across the SN, call the cops, report it as stolen, then you have alot of unnecessary headache if the gun ever gets run.