[Hondo44]

You didn't indicate the calibers on the nickel and 1911 guns. If they aren't 45 the price can vary downward somewhat.
Both guns needing repair will be worth more once repaired correctly and/or with 1st gen parts.

The serial # of the US gun is the 34236 # for legal purposes.

 

[Hondo44]

Is 45 the most sought after? Also which way would it affect the price?

Yes, typically the 45s are.

If they aren't 45 the price can vary downward somewhat.

 

[Hondo44]

How much lower are you talking. And how hard is it to typically fix?

In the range of a couple of hundred bucks, less for 44s.

Nothing is hard to fix by those that have the skill. Broken hammer repairs are a specialty repair to weld up broken notches and recut precisely. In the ball park of a $60 to $100 repair.
Broken trigger sears are the same skill level to repair. Replacing with a good and correct 1st gen trigger is simple but still must be properly fitted to the hammer notches or the new hammer notches can be broken again.

 

[Hondo44]

I'm thinking $60 - 100 would be a bargain. Once you do the basic repair, then should fix timing, other things that may be needed, etc. and then maybe you are at $200 -300 for a quality job.

Good point. I often forget about that. I just get the hammer done and take it home to fit and install myself.

 

[Hondo44]

I am assuming if the are broke they won't fire at all or if they did they would be unsafe?

You're correct, unsafe. They will fire alright, but can also fire too easily and when not expecting it. A worn or broken sear can slip off the full cock notch which doesn't break.

Or if either the safety or loading notch are broken, even a good sear may catch but slip off at any time with enough force for the gun to go off even from the safety position.

Easy to tell if either sear or the 1st two notches are broken: If notches are good, once you hear the click at either of the 1st two notches and release the hammer, it will move forward about 1/8" as the sear seats into the bottom of the notch pocket. If it clicks and the hammer stays right there, something is amiss.