ithaca vs ww1 1911

[michael leone]

which is more desirable as a collector item? i have a chance to obtain a 1944 made ithaca 1011a1 in 98% condition or a ww1 period colt 1911 in 70% finish. which is the best choice if i only want one example of a 45? are ithaca models more desirable than remeington rand models? please any input would be appreciated by this gun collector novice, thanks ,mike

[Gene]

The 1911A1

[Gary Cain]

Ithacas are more sought after than Remingtons and if I had the same choice I would take the Colt. It will appreciate faster than any WWII pistol provided it is 100% correct.

Gary

[jdbwoodsman]

You must look into the serial number of each pistol and determine the merits of each gun individually. Normally condition reigns.....condition, condition, condition. However, a 1911 with 70% can be a very desirable gun if it's one of the many rare variations and the only way to know that is reference the serial number. For instance, it could be a Marine Corps (the only way to know that is serial number) and they are highly collectible. On the other hand it may be a jellybean and you need to know the serial number of the Ithaca..... it could be an OSS, Navy or Air Corps shipment which would make it much more desirable.

Not enough information. You must get the proper reference and research what it is you are looking at.

[jacobtowne]

which is more desirable as a collector item? i have a chance to obtain a 1944 made ithaca 1011a1 in 98% condition or a ww1 period colt 1911 in 70% finish. which is the best choice if i only want one example of a 45? are ithaca models more desirable than remeington rand models? please any input would be appreciated by this gun collector novice, thanks ,mike

I recommend buying a copy of Clawson's Collector's Guide. It's a handy reference loaded with information and photos.

Originality and correctness of parts are important factors in determining value. While Ithacas are the crudest-made of the 1911A1s, Remington-Rands are the most plentiful. Theoretically, Ithacas should cost more.

JT

[Matt Weber]

I'm not an expert on Colts, but I would pick the WWI Colt, hands down! The WWI era 1911s are always more sought after than any of the WWII era 1911s! They are must better quality, and scarcer too I believe, since many served in both WWI and WWII!

This is of course assuming it is 100% correct, as previously stated by others.

Matt

[MAS36]

the one that interests you is the one most valuable as a collector's item

I would choose the WWII Ithaca 1911A1 98% cond

and I like the rough wartime machining found on Ithacas, they look unique
with the wartime finish / grey ghost [phosphate finish]

[michael leone]

ithaca

thanks for your input guys, i chose the ithaca, i will post pictures this weekend, it is really in nice condition, at least 98%!

[jdbwoodsman]

Looking forward to photos of that Ithaca!

[michael leone]

ithaca

here is the ithaca, 1944 serial number range

[michael leone]

ithaca

here is another view

[jdbwoodsman]

BEAUTIFUL!! Very nice Ithaca and if I'm reading the serial number correctly it was shipped Sept. 9, 1944 to: Transportation Officer - Augusta Ordnance Depot, Augusta, GA.

Your Ithaca looks completely original and correct and is a nice addition to any collection.

[michael leone]

ithaca

thanks for the info, what book would you advise me to get so i can get more info on these guns, where did you find that info on the shipping etc? im working on a remington rand , i should get it tomorrow! 1943 i believe, i will post pics of it as well,, regards,,mike

[Ronnie Fry]

Mike,
Great acquisition!! Does not look like it can be upgraded. Congratulations. Thanks for taking us along on your journey..

r

[jdbwoodsman]

thanks for the info, what book would you advise me to get so i can get more info on these guns, where did you find that info on the shipping etc? im working on a remington rand , i should get it tomorrow! 1943 i believe, i will post pics of it as well,, regards,,mike

The info is all published in Clawsons "Collectors Guide to Colt .45 Service Pistols" - 2003 edition, (already recommended by jacobtowne) available from many gun show book vendors or on Amazon.com. It's the most comprehensive study of the .45 service pistols and is complimented by E. Scott Meadows book on the earlier 1911. The collectors guide has been reprinted on 3 or 4 occasions and is again out of print and escalating in price rapidly. They started at $29.95 back in 2003 and are now $87 to $110 on Amazon. But the book will keep you from making a thousands of dollars error in buying a faked up or bogus pistol. I'm sure your Ithaca was not cheap and if it had been 'wrong' you would be highly agitated I'm sure....the Collectors Guide will help you avoid that.