TexasCHLforum.com

I am officially committed to finding and acquiring a 1944 or older M1911.

Was wondering if anyone has recommendations on sourcing, validating, and valuing such things.

I am looking for a functional shooter in field or service grade according to CMP standards.

I have seen some at gun shows. When those return check those out.

Do your research ahead of time. Know the various brands and ranges of their serial numbers to help with years. Put that information into a little note pad or somewhere on your phone you can access to when you find something interesting.

Bring lots of money or be able to get it easily. The ones I've seen generally start off around $4k and only went up from there.

I had hoped my first 1911 would have been a WWII era one to go with a few rifles I have from that same period. Still searching, but other things to throw money at have arisen. I may never get a 1911 from that era. I caved and ended up with a new 1911 a few years ago and last year got my second. I'll might end up with a third by the end of this year if it pops up back in stock after this latest frenzy.

My first firearm was my dad's service .45, a 1943 Ithaca 1911-A1. I still have it, and still take it to the range from time to time and shoot it. It’s one of my favorite guns. I’ve posted pictures of it here before, and it’s in pretty good condition.

It’s not for sale, btw.

That said, try looking for an Ithaca. I’d estimate the retail value of mine in the $2500 range. They’re reliable and well made. Here’s one that sold 2 years ago for $2295: https://www.legacy-collectibles.com/ith ... 43-61.html. Mine's in at least that condition or better.

I’ve seen several decent ones on texas gun trader for $2000-$3000

The Annoyed Man wrote: Sun May 31, 2020 9:23 am My first firearm was my dad's service .45, a 1943 Ithaca 1911-A1. I still have it, and still take it to the range from time to time and shoot it. It’s one of my favorite guns. I’ve posted pictures of it here before, and it’s in pretty good condition.

It’s not for sale, btw.

That said, try looking for an Ithaca. I’d estimate the retail value of mine in the $2500 range. They’re reliable and well made. Here’s one that sold 2 years ago for $2295: https://www.legacy-collectibles.com/ith ... 43-61.html. Mine's in at least that condition or better.

Not being a study of the 1911 I juat figured Colt made them for WW ll. You caused me to look it up out of curiosity. Holy cow, even Singer made some of them.

Colt
During the Second World War, the 1911A1 was made by a number of manufacturers (not all of them arms-makers) including Colt, Remington-Rand, Ithaca, Union Switch and Signal, and Singer.

look at Jackson Armory in Dallas
(bring a full wallet)

I've had the distinct pleasure of shooting a Colt 1911 with Navy stamped on it that by the serial number was made in 1911. The man that owns it would never sell it (again). He sold it once, and then bought it back. It still shoots great. I have no idea what such a weapon would sell for.

Lynyrd wrote: Sun May 31, 2020 6:27 pm I've had the distinct pleasure of shooting a Colt 1911 with Navy stamped on it that by the serial number was made in 1911. The man that owns it would never sell it (again). He sold it once, and then bought it back. It still shoots great. I have no idea what such a weapon would sell for.

ALOT!!

crazy2medic wrote: Sun May 31, 2020 6:43 pm

Lynyrd wrote: Sun May 31, 2020 6:27 pm I've had the distinct pleasure of shooting a Colt 1911 with Navy stamped on it that by the serial number was made in 1911. The man that owns it would never sell it (again). He sold it once, and then bought it back. It still shoots great. I have no idea what such a weapon would sell for.

ALOT!!

That's an understatement. Whatever ALOT is it will probably be at least a little more.

03Lightningrocks wrote: Sun May 31, 2020 4:52 pm

The Annoyed Man wrote: Sun May 31, 2020 9:23 am My first firearm was my dad's service .45, a 1943 Ithaca 1911-A1. I still have it, and still take it to the range from time to time and shoot it. It’s one of my favorite guns. I’ve posted pictures of it here before, and it’s in pretty good condition.

It’s not for sale, btw.

That said, try looking for an Ithaca. I’d estimate the retail value of mine in the $2500 range. They’re reliable and well made. Here’s one that sold 2 years ago for $2295: https://www.legacy-collectibles.com/ith ... 43-61.html. Mine's in at least that condition or better.

Not being a study of the 1911 I juat figured Colt made them for WW ll. You caused me to look it up out of curiosity. Holy cow, even Singer made some of them.

Colt
During the Second World War, the 1911A1 was made by a number of manufacturers (not all of them arms-makers) including Colt, Remington-Rand, Ithaca, Union Switch and Signal, and Singer.

I'm not much of a study on them either, but they were also around for WWI. They just made a whole bunch more for WWII. I think it would be pretty cool to have made by Singer, the sewing machine company.

A singer would be my Holy Grail of 1911's.

Back to the OP, learn the guns so you can spot the fakes (tons of fakes out there.) The 1911forum is a vast resource for you. Not that there isn't a bunch of brain power here, but that place is 1911 specific.

Thanks everyone.

Guns International had a bunch of good links and I think I'll be able to find what I am looking for in my $2500 budget.

I have all the serial information available so that has been helpful. Gotta sell a couple rifles then I get to do the shopping.