[mpdphil]

Am I missing something with this closed auction: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=118601691
The only problems I see are scratches by the mag release and incorrect grips. A mis-matched slide is nothing, they weren't serial numbered anyhow. It's all USGI, why wasn't it snatched up for the buy-it-now price? I've seen USGI parts kits assembled on aftermarket Essex frames sell for $800. What do the experts think?

 

[El Bibliotecario]

I have no idea what the experts think, but I share your curiousity. I'm not sure why the seller says the slide is a replacement unless he did the replacing. According to Sutherland and Wilson, the serial number falls within the correct range for a Remington Rand pistol, so the slide is correct--as you said, they aren't serial numbered. The pistol is rebuilt, like 99% of M1911A1s, and the condition is a bit doggy. Still, I sense that USGI .45s currently _start_ at four figures. Maybe it's the economy, maybe its Xmas competing for discretionary income.

 

[JIMMY C]

I think if you look at the wear on the frame of the pistol, and compare it to the wear on the slide you see a very large difference. The frame exhibits much more wear on it's "high points" than the slide. Comparing the wear one could conclude the frame and slide came from two different original pistols.

Check out the serrations on the slide. They show no wear, as does the front edges of the slide. much different than the corresponding wear on the frame.

I copied the photos of the pistol here for easier comparison.

 

[MGMike]

Am I missing something with this closed auction: . It's all USGI, why wasn't it snatched up for the buy-it-now price?

My own opinion is that the seller was trying to get a "collector" price for a "shooter" gun.
Just because an all-original and correct Remington-Rand in truly excellent condition will bring four figures doesn't mean that a doggy mixmaster with a frosty bore that doesn't even look right will fetch the same price merely because it's all GI.

Condition and originality command premium prices, but lesser guns go begging.

M

 

[SfcRet]

My own opinion is that the seller was trying to get a "collector" price for a "shooter" gun.

I don't know where you have been looking, but that price (800 dollars) is in no way shape or form a "collector" price. "Collector" prices are 1800+. 800 bucks is a very fair price for that shooter USGI 1911A1. I have seen USGIs in about that condition that people want over 1K for. finish doesn't mean squat when it comes to a shooter, to me it adds character to the pistol, as long as it doesn't look like the surface of the moon, all pitted up and banged up. If you wanted to, a good gunsmith can re-park that pistol and it won't detract the value, 99.9 percent of USGI M1911/A1 went through at least one rearsenal process anyway, so it's not like you are going to harm the value of that pistol

why the guy didn't go a extra 75 bucks and buy it out right, is a mystery to me, If I didn't already have a ITHACA, I would have bought that for 800. that pistol is fairly priced for a USGI shooter,

 

[RETREAD]

M 1911a1

I think 800.00 is about all the money for this pistol. It sure does look to be all GI, assuming the bore is mint. Looks to be an assembled gun to me. The slide and grips look NEW, but the rest is kkinda worn. A total GI rebuild would be mostly the same condition. If I wanted to pay 800.00 for a shooter I would go for a NORINCO or ROCK ISLAND Merry Christmas to all !!!!

 

[rayj]

Hi MP, Retread is probably right. A "shooter" M1911A1 is worth 800 bucks. Remember the pure (ie completely original) A1s are fairly scarce. The unit armorer, at the company level, could switch parts, including frames and internals at will. Keep the weapon up & running was his job. Collector's were not considered (bummer!). Any how, unless there is some egregious fault with the your pistol, it is a US Government issued weapon which was in the hands of the troops. The last production of US ordered M1911A1s was in late 1945. $800 today but how much in 2012? When I bought my first M1911A1, I paid $45 HARD earned dollars for it. I wish I had kept it. I have two US GI M1911A1s and one Colt Series 80 clone so I have a more than a passing acquaintance with these things. Sadly, not an expert. Regards, Ray