How does mismatched serial numbers on a slide and frame effect the value of a 1911?

C

cplane

New member
I was curious about one of those old Sistema 1911's. It has a different serial number on the slide and frame. Would that make much of a difference on the shootability of it? How about the value? It also has most of the markings buffed off, except the serial numbers. Would this be any concern?
 
Almost all the Sistemas have been refinished, usually Parkerized, so there is zilch collector value anyway. The mismatch won't matter for a shooter. Enjoy.

Jim
 
Systema don't have much if any collector value at all. They are built to the exact same specs and are essentially the exact same gun as a WWII but they don't have the same history as a gun stamped "property U.S. government"

If I wanted a systema I would expect a good shooter or project gun and nothing more.
 
Ditto what the others said. Matching numbers only come into play when we're talking about pristine, original guns with collector's value.
 
dsk, what about the Colts made in the US prior to their facility coming online? I believe there were 10,000 or so?
 
Those Colts have good collector value IF they have not been refinished and are in good shape. Alas, the few I have seen that were not Parkerized were in pretty poor condition, finish wise.

The Parkerized ones are not really matching. The frame number on the right side was put on by the importer/refinisher to match the slide/barrel number, I guess to keep BATF happy on the import. But the original frame number is under the mainspring housing. I have had half a dozen apart and in none did the slide and new frame number match the original frame number.

Jim
 
If you're the buyer, mismatched numbers make for a better deal on a shooter. For the seller it means maybe breaking even at the sale.
 
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