My grandfather died and left me a 1911 Colt 45 pistol, it's in great shape, is it worth anything?

Question

My grandfather died and left me a 1911 Colt 45 pistol, it's in great shape, is it worth anything?

Answer 1

Whatever you do, do NOT just go and take it to a pawnshop or gun shop to find the value. Nothing against these guys but they are in the business of making money.

Take some good quality pictures and post them on these forums:

http://forums.1911forum.com/

http://forum.m1911.org/index.php?

These are stand up people and will steer you right.

Depending on the variation, age, condition, and originality it could be anywhere from $500(shooter grade) up to tens of thousands of dollars..

Answer 2

I would keep it if it's as nice as you say. And if you really want to sell it get it appraised first, a pawn shop will rip you off. If it's a true 1911 and not a 199A1 and if its stainless maybe $1500-$2000. But if you wait it might be worth more next year. And that kinda scares me, some of you might get it...

I know a guy who does have a 1911 in .45 colt, stainless military issue. He wanted to sell it to get rid of it and his asking price was $1500.

Answer 3

Would be nice to know its cash value for insurance purposes, but as so many mention & esp  if it is a war relic it is priceless as an heirloom.

If you really need the cash, consider it a gift from gramps.

Answer 4

PRICELESS!!!

Answer 5

Yes it is priceless and can not be replaced so hold on to it and give it to your grandson so your life line will live on forever

Answer 6

Id definetly assume it is!  Id call up some kind of gun shop or email a gun shop online and ask them

Answer 7

i take it you dont like your grandfather, that you would sell something that was handed down to you. if you want to get rid of it give it to a relative that would take care of it, an hand it down to someone that will

Answer 8

A 1911 Colt 45, in good condition, as you describe is quite valuable in today's collector market. And it's sure to appreciate in value as it ages. As with any collector weapon, condition is the most important thing in its value, so keep it in a dry place and make sure you clean and oil it regularly. If all the parts are matching, meaning that all numbered parts have the same number or the last two/three numbers of the serial number, it greatly increases the value. The manufacturer of the 1911 also increases or decreases the value, so figure out who made yours, ... they were made by many different American gun makers and manufacturers. Learn how to take it apart, ... there's tons of guides on line if you do a google search, and check the numbers of the barrel, slide, clip, etc., etc. Here's a couple of links where you can search it out and see typical prices in today's market. And take care of it, ... you have a great piece of history, as well as a fine shooter.

Answer 9

Yes, they are quite desirable, but don't you dare sell it.

You'll have a grandson someday, too.

Besides if you get rid of it you'll always regret it.

Suffice it to say it's an expensive gun of impeccable quality.

It is, and should remain, a family heirloom.

You notice few people were willing to put a price tag on it?

That's because it's sentimental value far outweighs it's intrinsic value.

Answer 10

Yes it is! all u should do is like go to like a pawn or a trade shop or a gun shop like he said and see.

Answer 11

Yes, not to mention the sentimental value, Colt 1911 in .45 worth quite a bit of money depending on the year, and if it's as old as I think it is, do no sell it.

I've got 2 1911's, 2 in 9mm and one in .45, all were over $1000 a piece.

Answer 12

It could be.  I would keep it, though.  Nothing is more valuable than something left to you by a family member such as your grandfather.  I would see to it that it stays in the family and gets passed on from generation to generation.  

Answer 13

Financial worth depends on its' date of manufacture and model, whether it is a 1911 or 1911A1, and its' true condition, both mechanical & cosmetic, as well as whether it is civilian commercial or military surplus. Only a professional 'hands-on' inspection & evaluation can provide this information.

Sentimental value is an entirely different matter. . . .  

Answer 14

probably around 800; but why would you want to sell it?

Answer 15

Was your grandfather in the military?  I would guess that it was his during WWII. Regardless, it is now an heirloom and should be considered priceless.  If you want a cost for insurance purchases, contact Colt with the model and serial number and they can give you a number for insurance costs.  Then learn the proper way to clean and lubricate it.  Have a gunsmith look at it to make sure it is in safe firing condition, then go to the range and relive some of the great moments you and the man may have had.  Every time you handle that weapon, you should consider how your grandfather felt about you to leave you such a piece of memorabilia of his life.  

Keep it safe, keep it maintained, then pass it along to your child or grandchild; and tell them about the man that gave it to you, so they can keep the memories alive.

Answer 16

somewhere between $700 and $7000

There are so many variables that a price can not be given without knowing them