1943 Colt Model 1911 A1 - Check This One Out.

[coice]

I am looking for some more experienced advice. I am looking to add a 1911 A1 to my collection but am not too familiar with the Model 1911 A1. I know the basics, but can you tell me your thoughts on this one that has come up for sale? The pictures could be better but this one looks like a nice one. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance for your input.

World War II Colt Model 1911 A1 Military w/ Box : Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com

[OIF2]

My opinion only, but I would be VERY careful. Anyone selling a Colt 1911A1 for $2500.00 should be able to post better photos. Boxes are easily available and can be "aged". There's lots of scams for "NIB" Pythons...complete with fake boxes, etc. You say you don't have too much experience... fine. Learning is fun and rewarding. But buying a Colt 1911A1, with that supposed pedigree, with your lack of knowledge, on-line, is ASKING for trouble. There is no return/inspection period specified, and the buyer hasn't much of a track record with GunBroker (8 sales). Below is another '43 Colt, in pristine condition. It's all "correct". And it's been refinished. Hard to tell. Be patient, do some more research and wait for the "right" deal. Prices are coming down somewhat, due to the economy. Again, my thoughts only.
Bob

[moosedog]

I agree with OIF2. Those pictures are terrible for a gun costing that much.
You can't get much detail from them at all.

[coice]

OIF2- Thank you for your input. The one I have mentioned is original finish. Isn't that a more collectible value rather than one that has been refinished (like the one you have mentioned)? Do not get me wrong, the one you have shown is prestine, but doesn't the refinish subtract from the value? By the way, were is the one you have shown listed? I wouldn't mind looking into that one also. Thanks again.

[OIF2]

OIF2- Thank you for your input. The one I have mentioned is original finish. Isn't that a more collectible value rather than one that has been refinished (like the one you have mentioned)? Do not get me wrong, the one you have shown is prestine, but doesn't the refinish subtract from the value? By the way, were is the one you have shown listed? I wouldn't mind looking into that one also. Thanks again.

Don't think you understand...just because the buyer says "original" doesn't necessarily mean it is. "Trust, but verify". $2500.00 is at the upper end of what most people will pay for a pistol like that. I would, for that kind of money, want sharp, quality photos, or better yet, a personal examination. Patience, knowledge and education are your friends. That's why I posted the refinished gun in the reply. It's hard to tell it's refinished, unless you know what to look for. There are LOTS of WWII-era 1911A1s out there. Be patient, be careful and do your homework. Once it's yours, you're stuck with it.
Bob
PS The gun I posted was re-done by the late Bill Adair, a true master. It's just a "shooter", albeit a nice one. It's probably worth no more than $1000.00. That'll give you an idea of the difference between an original and a restored/refinished gun. No matter how nice the refinish, it's still a refinish.

[T.May]

I can't believe someone pulled the trigger on the "Buy it Now" on that one......WOW!

[Ratzo]

I agree t-may. Those photos show nothing but a 1911A1 and a greasy box. I am always on the lookout for WWII A1's but would never have paid that for this one.

[Rob Greer]

Yup - someone is hopeful that he gun is 100% correct... something that IMHO cannot be determined by the photos provided. Hope is not a great strategy in this hobby...

[oldcanuck]

The new owner is gonna be thrilled when he finds out the box is not Colt either !!!!!!!

[JCW]

The gun in question appears to have a pretty good coating of oil, which makes it difficult to judge the finish. The poor quality photos don't help either. I wonder if the oil is a tactic to hide problems with the gun's finish. I would walk away from that one, unless better pictures could be obtained.