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AR15.COM
6/21/2011 5:53:24 PM EDT
A local shop here has what they are claiming to be a 1912 Springfield Colt 1911.  Looked to be in good shape.  They are asking $1250.  Anything to look at to verify the year of manufacture.  Also what would be a fair price if real?

ETA: It's a Colt, not sure where I saw Springfield
6/21/2011 6:00:00 PM EDT
[#1]
If it's a undinked with and original 1912 Springfield, it's worth a WHOLE lot more then $1250. Do your homework well before you plop your dollars down. If you IM me the serial number on the frame, I can tell you if it fall in the range it is supposed to.
6/21/2011 6:02:33 PM EDT
[#2]
I'll get pics and Serial # off of it tomorrow.  I was just killing some time and saw it, then left.  Got home and started thinking about it.

I have no experience with classic 1911's.  A link or photo of what to look for would be great.
6/22/2011 7:53:25 AM EDT
[#3]
http://www.coolgunsite.com/collectors_guide.htm
6/22/2011 12:25:46 PM EDT
[#4]
I went and looked at it closer today, I'm kind of disappointed. SN is 13xxx making it a 1912 but the trigger and hammer have been changed out.  Possibly an arsenal job because they have a lot of wear and patina.  The magazine is not correct, its a newer stainless one.  The major problem is that someone ground the US Government Property stamp off.  
The grips look original though and metal condition is great for a 100 year old gun.
The asking price of $1250 seems really high to me with the issues it has. What would be a fair offer to make on it if it is worth getting?
6/22/2011 1:24:42 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I went and looked at it closer today, I'm kind of disappointed. SN is 13xxx making it a 1912 but the trigger and hammer have been changed out.  Possibly an arsenal job because they have a lot of wear and patina.  The magazine is not correct, its a newer stainless one.  The major problem is that someone ground the US Government Property stamp off.  
The grips look original though and metal condition is great for a 100 year old gun.
The asking price of $1250 seems really high to me with the issues it has. What would be a fair offer to make on it if it is worth getting?


Based on your discoveries, I'd walk away at this point.  But, that's just me.

6/22/2011 3:06:17 PM EDT
[#6]



Quoted:



Quoted:

I went and looked at it closer today, I'm kind of disappointed. SN is 13xxx making it a 1912 but the trigger and hammer have been changed out.  Possibly an arsenal job because they have a lot of wear and patina.  The magazine is not correct, its a newer stainless one.  The major problem is that someone ground the US Government Property stamp off.  

The grips look original though and metal condition is great for a 100 year old gun.

The asking price of $1250 seems really high to me with the issues it has. What would be a fair offer to make on it if it is worth getting?




Based on your discoveries, I'd walk away at this point.  But, that's just me.





Yep.  Politely decline, and find another pistol.





 
6/22/2011 3:32:46 PM EDT
[#7]
Once I saw that it had markings removed I handed it back and walked away.  It is still a very interesting and rare firearm, makes me want it.
6/22/2011 4:40:14 PM EDT
[#8]
I hear what you're saying, but if you pay more than half-price you're getting hosed. The USP is just as valuable as the serial number and the gun takes a tremendous hit if it's been removed. BUT, like you say, it's a first-year M1911. How bad do you want it?
6/22/2011 8:42:01 PM EDT
[#9]
Not bad enough to get a bubba'd gun.  I wasn't looking for one, just happened acrossed it.
6/29/2011 2:44:20 PM EDT
[#10]
I was on a fishing trip about 30 years ago. One of the guys was at that time was in his late 80's. We got talking about guns and he told me after WW1 many of the 1911's came home with the soldiers. In the early 1920's any gun found with us property markings were confiscated by local police. Of course they were supposed to be sent back to the military. So I have always assumed thats why there are so many nice 1911's with the us property markings ground off. I have no idea if this is true or not, but is what i was told by someone who lived back then.
8/14/2011 4:13:45 PM EDT
[#11]
You could still buy it at a reasonable price and have it sent to a reputable finishing place were they will restamp whatever was taken off.