[Jemorgan13]

Hello. My husband passed away and I was left with this US Govt issued Colt 1911. It’s been kept in a safe for as long as I have known and looking to get some information or a professional appraisal by someone who knows about this type of pistol.

 

[1stgen1916saa]

Howdy from N Texas and welcome to the community. Sorry for your loss, you have come to the right place for help with your gun.

 

[Jemorgan13]

Howdy from N Texas and welcome to the community. Sorry for your loss, you have come to the right place for help with your gun.

Thank you.

 

[1stgen1916saa]

Hello. My husband passed away and I was left with this US Govt issued Colt 1911. It’s been kept in a safe for as long as I have known and looking to get some information or a professional appraisal by someone who knows about this type of pistol. View attachment 720955 View attachment 720954

She has a low serial number, if the gun is original you could be looking at 2 to 3K. Love the rear sight btw. Originality is the key, also USP guns are more sought after.

 

[Jemorgan13]

She has a low serial number, if the gun is original you could be looking at 2 to 3K. Love the rear sight btw. Originality is the key, also USP guns are more sought after.

I have been getting such a wide range of prices. Starting at 500 and as high as 15000. I am overwhelmed

 

[1stgen1916saa]

I have been getting such a wide range of prices. Starting at 500 and as high as 15000. I am overwhelmed

There are numerous markings all over the gun that need to be seen to tell if it's original. I'm not an expert in these particular guns, there are others here with way more knowledge and can direct you to take pics of these areas. Btw, who ever offered you 500 was hoping to strike gold, you've already done your husband and you a great service coming here.

 

[Jemorgan13]

There are numerous markings all over the gun that need to be seen to tell if it's original. I'm not an expert in these particular guns, there are others here with way more knowledge and can direct you to take pics of these areas. Btw, who ever offered you 500 was hoping to strike gold, you've already done your husband and you a great service coming here.

Again thank you. I have been told it is original, but my husband did some modifications I guess. Again, I know little to nothing just going off what I have been told. I joined a few Facebook Colt groups and someone recommended this forum.

 

[smutt]

1913 manufacturer per Colt, worth more than $500. Sights are probably not original. Would like to see a photo of the whole slide from above.

 

[azshot]

If I'm not mistaken, I'm seeing this: A well worn 1911, about 20% finish remaining. Altered non-original sights. Highly worn and damaged grips. 31322 was made in 1913 by the serial number lookup, but to me, just being early is overwhelmed by it's very poor condition.

 

[huskerbob]

First, I'm sorry for your loss.

As far as your gun goes, it is probably not worth nearly as much to anyone else as it is to you. In my opinion, you would be best served by keeping it in your family if possible. That being said, you've come to the right place. I'm sure many people who are 1911 experts will be along shortly to give you an honest evaluation and a fair market value.

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[bladeandbarrel]

It's a $1000-1500 modified nice, old gun. Keep it is a treasured memory. It is no longer collectible to a collector.

 

[72560]

Very sorry for your loss. It has value. Don’t take it to a gun store or Cabelas. They’ll give $300 and rip you off. Sell it yourself or keep it.

 

[BMAC]

Not that other opinions are wrong, lots of knowledgeable guys around here. At least hang around until you hear from this guy Scott Gahimer, he will give you straight no BS info you can trust.

 

[Jemorgan13]

1913 manufacturer per Colt, worth more than $500. Sights are probably not original. Would like to see a photo of the whole slide from above.

I will get you a picture soon as I am home from work.

 

[824tsv]

Welcome to the Forum from Canada!
I suggest you post those pic's and the other pic's you are going to take in the Semi-Auto Forum where it will get more exposure to Forum members.

 

[WVCOLT]

Hello and welcome to the Colt Forum from West Virginia. Glad you have joined us all here. Sorry for your loss. You have came to the right place here as to get the right info you seek.

 

[kenhwind]

This Colt looks like it has King Sights on it. these are a derisible modification to the right person. The question is was any other modification done, Barrel bushing etc.
Unfortunately it is not always easy to evaluate a modified pistol especially one that would be considered a collectable if not modified.

 

[Swag01]

Very sorry for your loss. Please, do not get into too big of a hurry to sell it. As others have said, it is not in that great of a condition and has been altered, at least being the site, and maybe more non-factory alterations. Even in the poor condition cosmetically that it is, collectors want original, non altered guns. Also, as mentioned previously, do not go to a gunshop or pawn shop to sell it, as they will attempt to take advantage of you. A sale to a private individual who you trust is offering your a fair price is probably the best result. But, I would not sell it. Good luck.

 

[SHOOTER13]

Welcome to the COLT Forum and My Condolences on the loss of your Husband.

What the others above have opined is true, it is a US Property marked 1911 made in 1913...in non-collector condition that is easily worth more than $500 but less than $1000 to the right buyer. Most gun stores will offer much less to "take it off your hands"...so, don't be fooled.

Best bet if you're not going to keep it or gift it to a family member would be to put it on a gun auction with a starting bid of say $550 and see what the market will bear as others may want it for parts if nothing else.

Below is the Link to the Gun Auction website...from there you read and follow the rules.

Good Luck and God Bless !!

Click Below:

Gun Auctions & Guns For Sale at GunAuction.com

Find great buys on new & used guns for sale at GunAuction.com, one of the world's largest gun auctions & home of Official NRA Auctions. Buy & Sell guns online.

www.gunauction.com

 

[somd_mustangs]

GunAuction doesn't get the traffic that other sites do, and usually only a few popular sellers like JackTheDog get good money.
A new seller on any site won't get the money that an established seller will, so in this case if selling by auction is the desired path, send it to one of these for commission sale. Or to a trustworthy dealer on consignment. Creating a good listing (pics etc), accurate and thorough description, and managing an online auction is a daunting task and takes a good deal of time and experience - probably not the best option for a one-time seller.
(then again there's always those one-line vague description auctions with two blurry pics that go crazy and defy logic )