Colt 1911 Government Model - your opinions please

[luftwaffenkopf]

2 pics so far. with serial number C18954, i think it puts it at year 1915. my obvious concern is that it's an all matching piece with original bluing and good rifling. comes with 2 clips and a hand made holster.

if all is good, what's one like this worth these days? thank you

[robcox1]

The trigger looks funky to me.

[luftwaffenkopf]

oops

[luftwaffenkopf]

The trigger looks funky to me.

you mean the notches? thanks

[robcox1]

you mean the notches? thanks

Yes. I guess I wasn't very clear was I? Sorry!

[luftwaffenkopf]

four more years! eh, pics, i mean

[Johnny Peppers]

Mainspring housing is 1911A1 style. The early Government Model had a flat mainspring housing, and about 1924 it was changed to arched. Left grip is 1911 style and right 1911A1 style.

As mentioned, trigger was originally smooth and has been notched. Not a bad old Government Model, just needs a few parts.

[629classic44]

Here in Belgium it goes around 800-1800 €
Depending on condition.
Greetings

[james m]

You might want to watch the parts sections on Gunbroker and even Ebay as period parts come up from time to time. It IMO would be worthwhile to put this pistol back into original condition.
Jim

[Bill Grist]

This is a civilian purchased Commercial Colt 45 auto... C prefix Mfg. 1915,, 11,000 mfg. that year..It seems to have been upgraded to 1911A1 by the addation of the arched main spring at some time......BILL

[Johnny Peppers]

The changes to the Government Model pretty well paralleled the changes to the Model 1911.

[luftwaffenkopf]

thank you for your comments gents. so what's the verdict on the price in today's market, considering the changed parts?

[Johnny Peppers]

"Glamour" photos are never good for judging the condition of a pistol. Shoot them straight on with no on camera flash. From what I can see I would say about $1250/1500. The parts needed will not be easy to find, and will be expensive.

[Scharfschütze]

Whilst you may have to wait a while to stumble upon the right parts, the MSH being the largest in terms of layout, I'd wager the wait worth your while, whether you're looking to preserve a piece of history or garner a return on your investment.

-Scharfschütze

[Johnny Peppers]

The grips/stocks are going to be the largest cash outlay, as it will be virtually impossible to find a single grip that would come close to matching the one correct grip.