I have a 1911 Colt made in 1918. It has almost all of the bluing gone from it except for some on the front of the slide. As if someone put it in an open bottom holster for a long time.It has some slight pitting in the top of the slide just ahead of the rear sight. It also is marked US PROPERTY on the left side of the frame just ahead of the trigger guard.There is rampant Colt pony is in the middle of the slide in between all the patent writing and dates.The serial # is 484978. There is some kind of proof mark above the mag release. This may sound foolish but it looks like a deformed triangle. Under it are B12,612,s12 one of those i can't tell my eyes aren't so good anymore.Help would be great here. As far as i know it is an original Colt 1911 pre WW2 but i don't know much about these old goverment models. Thanks 45automan
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Colt 1911 made in 1918,value?HELP!!!Here is a Detailed Description.
- Thread starter 45automan
- Start date
Followed you over from 1911 forum. So, the rampant colt is in the middle? That's consistent with late 1918 production, as indicated by the serial #. The mark by the mag release is an upturned eagle head. The "S" number is that of an inspector at Springfield Armory. These late guns are called "black armies" because the rough blue finish looked black, unlike the earlier, better-polished guns which are more blue. The hammer should be long and wide, the trigger long, the grip safety short. It sounds pretty original to me. Colt prices are pretty crazy right now; if it's in good, tight mechanical shape, it's probably worth something like $500-$800.
Rocky Road
Retired Screen Name
45automan--
Pistols M 1911 numbered 216987 through 594001 show to have been produced by Colt's in 1918.
The Patent Dates--Pony--Address pattern on left side of slide ran all the way from 1913 through 1924.
The "deformed triangle" you meniton is probably the standard Colt proof, described as "VP within triangle" in my references.
If you take off the slide, you'll probably find letters EEC and H somewhere on the frame. The H is repeated on bottom of slide, or sometimes above firing pin hole under the retaining plate. I don't have a military 1911 style here, and my references don't give exact locations.
radom--
RickB's estimate of value won't be vary far wrong. In general, any old Colt (still in working condition) with ANY original finish is worth more than the same model/vintage piece that has been reworked or refinished. That said, a piece that was verifiably re-done at the factory or a military arsenal is a valid variant on its own, and is more valuable than one reblued or bumber chromed at the neighborhood gunsmith's shop.
Best regards
RR
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---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
Pistols M 1911 numbered 216987 through 594001 show to have been produced by Colt's in 1918.
The Patent Dates--Pony--Address pattern on left side of slide ran all the way from 1913 through 1924.
The "deformed triangle" you meniton is probably the standard Colt proof, described as "VP within triangle" in my references.
If you take off the slide, you'll probably find letters EEC and H somewhere on the frame. The H is repeated on bottom of slide, or sometimes above firing pin hole under the retaining plate. I don't have a military 1911 style here, and my references don't give exact locations.
radom--
RickB's estimate of value won't be vary far wrong. In general, any old Colt (still in working condition) with ANY original finish is worth more than the same model/vintage piece that has been reworked or refinished. That said, a piece that was verifiably re-done at the factory or a military arsenal is a valid variant on its own, and is more valuable than one reblued or bumber chromed at the neighborhood gunsmith's shop.
Best regards
RR
------------------
---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---