1914 Springfield Armory .45

[1914Springfield]

Just realized my "Colt" 1911 is really a 1914 Springfield Armory. Serial #7283X. The gun came from a neighbor in the Marines and he served on Iwo Jima. I always thought it was a Colt cause the slide is a Colt slide. From my many hours of research I see it was quite common for the components to get mixed up in maintenance. Appears that neither the barrel nor the slide stop were manufactured by Springfield. All aspects of the gun appear to be in pretty good condition. No rust, blemishes, finish is still pretty solid. I have shot it several times (prior to realizing it is a Springfield). And it does a real nice job.

Based on the pictures ...

1. Is there an approximate value "as-is" anyone would venture?
2. Does anyone recommend searching out the missing Springfield components (slide & slide stop)?
3. Approximate value with the correct components?
4. Does anyone know where i can find the parts I need inclusing an original Springfield magazine?

I grew up a military brat and still remember at age three wrapping my Dad's gun belt around me three times and walking into the kitchen with his .45 dragging on the floor. Guess it's why I always wanted an original 1911.

Thanks

 

[Jim K]

Yes, it is an SA frame and a Colt slide. Value as is would probably run around $1000 since it is a WWI era pistol (the Colt slide is WWI vintage). I can't tell much about the finish; either it is a reddish patina with no blue or the lighting makes it look that way.

If the pistol were a complete SA pistol in top condition, it could bring over $6000. A Colt WWI top condition, would go at least $4000, more for some models. Lesser conditon would of course decrease the value.

Jim

 

[1914Springfield]

Thanks JK

I believe it is the parkerized finish. A flat black appearance. The pictures were affected by the lighting.

 

[Jim K]

If the gun was Parkerized, it was done as a rebuild, probably during WWII, and the Colt slide put on at the same time. In that period, preserving guns for future collectors was not uppermost in the minds of the folks refurbishing weapons to use against the country's enemies.

Jim