Could use some help, guys. I have an original 1911 (not A1) gov't. model, in maybe 40 to 50% condition. Took it to a local smith recently who checked serial #, and told me it was built in 1914. Also said because of condition, no particular value, just use it as a shooter.
Talked to another smith today to kick around some ideas as to sprucing it up a bit as a shooter. I tell him the year of manufacture, and he tells me that original 1911's are "rare, and hard to find", so it's not a good idea to customize it at all. Claims it could be worth anywhere from "one to five thousand dollars". Well, I'm not sure I agree with him, but sure don't want to alter a gun with potentially high value.
Any thoughts? As far as I can determine, it's pretty much stock, with the exception of a new thicker front sight (to replace one that flew off), and a "field fix" filing of the rear sight to accomodate the thicker front.
Would appreciate any info you might have, or a steer in the right direction to more accurately determine the true value. Thanks.
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Regards - AZFred
Talked to another smith today to kick around some ideas as to sprucing it up a bit as a shooter. I tell him the year of manufacture, and he tells me that original 1911's are "rare, and hard to find", so it's not a good idea to customize it at all. Claims it could be worth anywhere from "one to five thousand dollars". Well, I'm not sure I agree with him, but sure don't want to alter a gun with potentially high value.
Any thoughts? As far as I can determine, it's pretty much stock, with the exception of a new thicker front sight (to replace one that flew off), and a "field fix" filing of the rear sight to accomodate the thicker front.
Would appreciate any info you might have, or a steer in the right direction to more accurately determine the true value. Thanks.
------------------
Regards - AZFred