Colt 1911

[Ivor Biggun]

I picked this gun up a while ago and do not know much about it, other than the fact it is a commercial gun serial# is 5xxx so very early manufacture I suspect.
What is odd is the gun has Brittish Proof marks on the frame, slide and barrel.
The bore is not bright but is not pitted either,the slide has a " Mottled" appearance on one side of the slide I think it has sat somewhere for a long time.

Any info on history or value would be appreciated.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'd need to see a pic of the other side to be sure. My oldest commercial Colt has a "C" prefix serial number.

The bluing is the right color, but the horse looks a tad 'filled in' as a re-blue might be.

It's definitely valuable, the question is, how valuable?

 

[Ivor Biggun]

Here is a pic of the other side, yes the serial# is a C prefix, note the mottled blue on this side of the slide, I suspect it has been sitting some where for a long time.
I will try to get better pictures of the markings as these pictures don't do them justice.Thank you for your reply.
Is it possible the gun would have needed refinishing after the proof marks had been stamped, If it has been refinished they have done an excellent job.

Bob

 

[Jim Watson]

Made in 1913.
British proofs (I don't see them, though.) mean it was sold in Great Britain.

Colt would charge you $100 for a letter to tell you when in 1913 (or 1914, that is near the top of 1913 numbers) it was shipped and to whom.

 

[Jim K]

First, no matter what anyone tells you, DO NOT have that pistol refinished or "restored".

No matter how good a job a restorer might do, the work will be obvious to any serious collector and will reduce, not increase, the value.

The British proofs mean only that it was sold in Britain at some time; the Colt letter, which you should get, would tell you if it was sent to a British distributor originally and that would add to the value.

Do not let anyone confuse you about a commercial gun, like yours, that was sold in England and the Government Models made in .455 Webley Auto for the British government in WWI. Your gun is in .45 ACP and is so marked.

Jim