1929 Colt 1911 Help

[N_Turs]

I’m sure there’s someone on this site that could point me in the right direction. I’m looking to sell an old colt 1911 from what I can find it’s a 1929 first year production, chambered in 38 super auto. I’m debating putting it on an auction site, trying to get an idea of the value. Any help would be great. Thank you

 

[wvfarrier]

check on 1911addicts

 

[N_Turs]

Ok, thank you I’ll look over there this is the only forum I’m on so figured I’d start here.

 

[Downtown]

Just check completed auctions for similar pistols on Gunbroker. I think you will be amazed! Happily so.

 

[roostercogburn98]

any boxes or papers?

Have you had it lettered, I’d do that as it may improve the value, definitely won’t hurt it though.

 

[N_Turs]

Just check completed auctions for similar pistols on Gunbroker. I think you will be amazed! Happily so.

I’ll take a look there too

 

[N_Turs]

any boxes or papers?

Have you had it lettered, I’d do that as it may improve the value, definitely won’t hurt it though.

No box or papers, when you say have it lettered do you mean have colt do a search on it and get like a letter of authenticity from them? I’m a Glock and Ar guy mainly so this is all new to me trying to value a legit collector gun.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Yes, go to the Colt website and look under the customer service tab on the drop down. You will see Archives services at the bottom.

 

[roostercogburn98]

https://www.colt.com/archive-services/

You can call or email customer service. There is a fee for the service, but I’m pretty sure there have been more than one surprised Colt owner when they get their letter back.

Pretty sure @sirhrmechanic has had one or two neat finds from letters

 

[N_Turs]

https://www.colt.com/archive-services/

You can call or email customer service. There is a fee for the service, but I’m pretty sure there have been more than one surprised Colt owner when they get their letter back.

Pretty sure @sirhrmechanic has had one or two neat finds from letters

Cool man right on thank you I’ll do that then I’m in no hurry to sell it so getting some info from colt does seem like a wise way to go.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Keep us updated if you don’t mind, cool old gun and even cooler round

 

[sgtsmmiii]

That is a very nice, high condition Colt in a desirable caliber. Definitely get a Colt letter, it will not only enhance the sales value, but normally you get enough additional money back to offset its cost.
Then, I'd put it on Gunbroker starting at 1 cent and sit back and watch them fight over it. GLWS

 

[db2000]

Very cool

 

[Modoc]

I was looking at Rock Island Auctions to see what a friend’s collection was going for, and there was a similar 1911 in 38 Super that they estimated to go for $5k-$7k. I’m not registered with them, so couldn’t see the final auction price.

I second looking on gun broker for a more realistic price range.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

https://www.colt.com/archive-services/

You can call or email customer service. There is a fee for the service, but I’m pretty sure there have been more than one surprised Colt owner when they get their letter back.

Pretty sure @sirhrmechanic has had one or two neat finds from letters

Been driving since 4 am… and then had to help find a friends runaway cat… so am not at my best right now…

But if that is not a reblue any that is original… it is very valuable in that shape! Wow!!

More tomorrow when I am not semi-catatonic.

Sirhr

 

[sirhrmechanic]

I was looking at Rock Island Auctions to see what a friend’s collection was going for, and there was a similar 1911 in 38 Super that they estimated to go for $5k-$7k. I’m not registered with them, so couldn’t see the final auction price.

I second looking on gun broker for a more realistic price range.

In that condition, 5-7k is not unrealistic. Again… if not a reblue.

 

[N_Turs]

Anyone know how to verify if it was rebuled? I posted up on 1911addicts and my post was deleted no explanation. Bunch of lames over there. I’ll keep the thread updated. I’ll be reaching out to colt forsure.

 

[sgtsmmiii]

I'll throw this out there: Is the current condition TOO nice for the age of the firearm? Yours ( from the pics ) appears to have appropriate wear for the age - are the lettering and numbers rounded from being polished before re-bluing ( they should have pretty crisp edges ) - are the lines on the frame and slide crisp and not buffed into a "soft' rounded look - such as the line on the slide that transitions from the side of the slide to the top and the A1 1/2 moon cuts at the trigger guard. From the pics, yours appear correct. Also, the mag should be 2-tone - which yours appears to be. From the pics and without holding it in my hand, I'd say yours appears to be correct.

 

[N_Turs]

I'll throw this out there: Is the current condition TOO nice for the age of the firearm? Yours ( from the pics ) appears to have appropriate wear for the age - are the lettering and numbers rounded from being polished before re-bluing ( they should have pretty crisp edges ) - are the lines on the frame and slide crisp and not buffed into a "soft' rounded look - such as the line on the slide that transitions from the side of the slide to the top and the A1 1/2 moon cuts at the trigger guard. From the pics, yours appear correct. Also, the mag should be 2-tone - which yours appears to be. From the pics and without holding it in my hand, I'd say yours appears to be correct.

I understand what you’re saying I’ll take a much closer look at it and see if any of the edges look rounded from polishing. I’ll try and post some higher resolution photos aswell. I’m in no hurry to sell it so I’ll be working on getting a letter from colt. I believe it’s never been refinished the last owner just doesn’t seem like that type that would have done that and from what I understand it has been in Arizona sense new so that could be why it looks so good still. It’s just dry as fuck here.
Hopefully that colt letter will shed some light.

Thanks for the info everyone this site always comes through. I got banned from 1911addicts with my first two post so fuck that place.

 

[Budrichard]

You are in the Big League's with this 1911.
It should have ‘C’ prefix in the serial # for commercial.
You have correct two tone magazine that resulted from heat treating.
You do appear to have muzzle wear.
Document the provenance if you know it.
I am a collector of Colt 38 Supers and just had one I purchased in the ‘White’ custom engraved by the engraver that did one of my Kolar’s to match.
Pm me for additional consulting.
I would not use a Rock Island type of auction site but GB is possible with cautions.
As previously stated a Letter is a must and the cost is minimal to what the value may/will bring.
-Richard

 

[Downtown]

Also a collector of old 1911s. I think you would be astounded at a Gunbroker auction. Also always welcome for a private discussion concerning value. Don't worry Moderator, I've enough already

 

[N_Turs]

Yeah to any of the mods not my intention here to sell it in this thread. I just have no experience in these things. If I sell it here I’ll post it in the px and do it that way.

Thanks for all the advice I’ll reach out to colt and go from there for now.

 

[JoshPutman]

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to sell it? It's a beautiful gun, and a real piece of history.

Every American should own at least one 1911.

 

[N_Turs]

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to sell it? It's a beautiful gun, and a real piece of history.

Every American should own at least one 1911.

While I can appreciate the firearm and the history of it, it has no sentimental value to me. I'm in the camp of only keeping guns around that I use regularly. This is a collectors piece for sure and Id rather it end up in someone's hands that would enjoy it as such. If I was to keep it, it would just sit in my safe and never see the light of day...

 

[JoshPutman]

Understandable.