I want to put a real , numbers matching 1911 in my WWII collection. Im not as particular as some in the way of manufacturer( singer, union switch,etc) . I want to get an idea on what I will spend on a nice collector, but not a restored pistol. I'm not looking for a pitted beast though. What maker should I look for and what price range is acceptable for a nice collector but not a show queen? Thanks guys!!!
Which WWII 1911?
- Thread starter mopar92
- Start date
- Status
Ithaca or remington rand is the way to go they will sell for between $750-$1200 depending on condition. A colt is going to run you bewteen $1500 -$3000.
If you can get by all the ww1- ww2 nonsense, it makes more sense to just by a 1960's -70 vintage colt model 70 or a new colt model 70 for around $750 -$900 in used to new in the box and this way you can shoot it and enjoy the gun. Also ww1 and ww2 guns were known to be made of softer steel than current or late model colt guns.
If you can get by all the ww1- ww2 nonsense, it makes more sense to just by a 1960's -70 vintage colt model 70 or a new colt model 70 for around $750 -$900 in used to new in the box and this way you can shoot it and enjoy the gun. Also ww1 and ww2 guns were known to be made of softer steel than current or late model colt guns.
Apocalypse-Now
Member
i've been to a few gun auctions recently (including the largest in north america, Rock Island Auction).
ithaca's are really nice quality. most of the ones that go cheap have been professionally restored. original condition ones in good shape will run you much more.
the remington rand's are generally cheaper in price, and nice quality too. this is what i've seen at the auctions i've been to:
colt A1's are plentiful and easy to find. the A1's being cheaper than the original 1911 model.
union switch and signals are aren't rare either, and are reasonably priced in decent shape. excellent shape ones are higher in value.
singer 1911's will cost as much as a house.
if you're looking to spend a little over a grand on one with all original parts and has not been restored, remington rand, colt, or union switch and signal is probably your best option
for an idea of value, and a detailed description with pics, go to rock island auction's website and type in 1911 in the search. loads of good info. they have prices realized too (what the guns went for at auction)
http://rockislandauction.com/search/aid/1016
ithaca's are really nice quality. most of the ones that go cheap have been professionally restored. original condition ones in good shape will run you much more.
the remington rand's are generally cheaper in price, and nice quality too. this is what i've seen at the auctions i've been to:
colt A1's are plentiful and easy to find. the A1's being cheaper than the original 1911 model.
union switch and signals are aren't rare either, and are reasonably priced in decent shape. excellent shape ones are higher in value.
singer 1911's will cost as much as a house.
if you're looking to spend a little over a grand on one with all original parts and has not been restored, remington rand, colt, or union switch and signal is probably your best option
for an idea of value, and a detailed description with pics, go to rock island auction's website and type in 1911 in the search. loads of good info. they have prices realized too (what the guns went for at auction)
http://rockislandauction.com/search/aid/1016
Last edited:
I wouldn't put an 85' Corvette in a 60's muscle car collection just because it's a Vette. It's not the right era. I want to put a correct 1911 in my WWII collection. Thanks guys, yeah those singers are outrageous...
Comparing a 1965 corvette to a 1985 corvette is the wrong analogy.
Why don't you compare a 1965 corvette to a 2011 corvette Z06 or a 1970 dodge challenger to 2011 hemi rt challenger.
Old over priced poor handling rust buckets, that rich baby boomers pay $50- $100k for to relive their childhood.
The knowledgable buyer would buy the late model performance car, or even better the a high tech performance japanese car or a geman made one.
So make a fair comparison, use a 1940's remington rand or ithaca to a 1960's vintage colt model 70 or even the current production CNC mult axis machine produced colt model 70.
The current production colts are a lot tighter and more accurate, than any of the old war time production guns.
Put the collector status a side and use the shootability and per dollar value, any colt model 70 is a far better value than any war time 45acp for shooting and accuracy.
Why don't you compare a 1965 corvette to a 2011 corvette Z06 or a 1970 dodge challenger to 2011 hemi rt challenger.
Old over priced poor handling rust buckets, that rich baby boomers pay $50- $100k for to relive their childhood.
The knowledgable buyer would buy the late model performance car, or even better the a high tech performance japanese car or a geman made one.
So make a fair comparison, use a 1940's remington rand or ithaca to a 1960's vintage colt model 70 or even the current production CNC mult axis machine produced colt model 70.
The current production colts are a lot tighter and more accurate, than any of the old war time production guns.
Put the collector status a side and use the shootability and per dollar value, any colt model 70 is a far better value than any war time 45acp for shooting and accuracy.
CapnMac
Member
Well, for economy, and also to be a shooter, I'd look at Argentinian Colts. A goodly percentage have Hartford roll stamps, they are built to pre-war US MilSpec, and are reasonably priced.
"Genuine" WWII, well, depends on definitions. A lot easier to bang a box of FMJ through a $6-800 Argie, than a $900-1100 '46 Rem-Rand--and the lanyard loop is there.
As a wall-hanger, maybe not so much with the Argie.
"Genuine" WWII, well, depends on definitions. A lot easier to bang a box of FMJ through a $6-800 Argie, than a $900-1100 '46 Rem-Rand--and the lanyard loop is there.
As a wall-hanger, maybe not so much with the Argie.
summerhelp
Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2009
- Messages
- 47
If you want to collect something from a certin time period then go for it and don't let others try and talk you out of it. They are not making any more guns that fought in or were around in WWII. It doesn't matter that a newer gun is better to shoot if it doesn't meet the criteria of being in the right time period for WWII.
As I posted in my original post, I want to venture into the purchase of a WWII US marked 1911 for my WWII collection. The definition of a collection to me is to have just that. I have a Taurus PT1911 if I want to shoot a "1911" and throw it down in the dirt if I wanted. I'm asking about ideas to get a nice collector at a reasonable cost. Thanks to those who helped me so far.
Apocalypse-Now
Member
i think he made it clear in the OP that he wants a WWII original 1911 as a collectors piece, not a shooter.
- Status
