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Posted: 6/5/2002 3:33:17 PM EDT
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http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976045407.htm Singer 1911... |
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Singer-500 manufactured 1942 Elizabeth NJ blued with plastic grips The Singer 1911A1 variation is one of the most sought after Colt models, In recent years values have increased significantly and as a result, many fakes have emerged. Most specimens are now recognized by serial number and be very cautious when contemplating a purchase. Some collectors unsure of authenticity are now requiring x-ray testing to determine originality (slide restampings, ser no changes etc.) From Blue Book of Gun Values, 19th ed by SP Fjestad. |
| Hmmm... my Dad passed down his modest gun collection to me, and it included five (5) WWII era 1911 pistols that are all marked "S. MFG CO." and "ELIZABETH N.J. U.S.A." on the slide. All numbers match, and they are all in LN but original condition. He is also a long retired executive of the Singer company, out of Elizabeth NJ. I wonder if these could be Singer 1911's? They are consecutive serial numbered, and very low (less than #25). Anybody know how a Singer was marked? I really don't think they are Singers, as they don't say Singer anywhere. They are also blued, rather than parked like most 1911 pistols of that era, so I really don't think they are Singers, but one can dream... |
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slag: Below image is from Ken Hallock’s “Hallock’s .45 Auto Handbook”, page 85 – marked up a bit by me. Kinda sounds like you might have some “lunch box specials” that were liberated from the factory before SN’s were assigned (though I’d think that normally the SN would be stamped before the pistol was finished). The two digit numbers you’re looking at might be assembly numbers. Check for the Inspector's initials (circled in red on drawing), which should be JKC for Lt. Col. John Christmas. Sounds like you’ve definitely got something!! Edited to add that maybe these were prototypes that, say, were maybe intended to check out production techniques and were never intended to leave the factory. |
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| Well, I pulled them out of the back of the safe, and they are serial #S8000xx. But like I said earlier, they are not marked "Singer" on them anywhere, so I really don't think they are Singers. In any case, they have no monetary value, as I don't sell firearms, just accumulate them. |
Holy crap, I think your monetary value just went up a bit. If I was you....I sure as hell wouldn't sell 'em. |
| It is highly probably given the evidence stated that these are in fact Singers. If so your best course of action is to contact southby's, butterfields or other reputable auction house and have a professional appraisal done. These would need to be listed separately on your insurance due to extreme value. Failing to do this would simply be foolish whether you intended to sell or not. At some point the money may be important and sitting on a couple hundred grand without protection is about as smart as stuffing cash in a mattress. |
Slag--- He is absolutly right. Get them appraised and insured. By the way, where exactly do you live? 
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| Ok, I have moved them to my bank's safe deposit box, based on you guys thinking they might be Singers. I will also arrange for an appraisal to be done. I carefully examined one of them last nite. Completely broke it down, and not a single part was marked "Singer". One would think that you could find at least 1 part marked Singer, if these are indeed Singer pistols. Time will tell. |
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