Posted 13 years ago
papa
(184 items)
Thought I would show an old military gun that is rusting away in my collection. Not sure of the value of WW1 diamondback colts 45arp with original holsters and two tone clips? Once upon a time I was going to clean it up but it is such a good shooter I would hate to ruin a good thing. Like my old pickup truck if I clean it up or trade it in then it is no good to me out in the woods. Are these worth fixing up or are they just a good wild pig gun?
It is definitely worth maintaining. Rusting over a long period of time will destroy the original finish and eventually pit the metal.
M1911s are VERY desirable for collectors. Like all guns condition plays a huge role in value.
Be careful, OVER cleaning into the metal will hurt value as well.
Scott
Serial numbers drop this one into 1913 and it has been through two world wars before I got it. The old holster has an upgrade for WW2 with a black leather belt hook also dated. Unless the original finish was rusty brown it is already there? Let's just say a well worn colt 45arp.
the 2 toned clip is also quite valuable. Take good care of that old war horse! perhaps just keep a coat of WD-40 on it for now. don't use any abrasive brushes or steel wool etc, just a soft cloth and some oil....boy, if that gun could talk!
I had a 1911 when i was a Military Police. They are the best firing hand gun ever made. Take good care of it.
You have a treasure there. I would get advice on cleaning it and then maintain it. There are very knowledgeable people out there that know how to deal with this one. You can also find them on Discovery Channel. You have a gun there that could be worth close to $15,000.00 based on what was shown and explained to me by gun experts when i took mine in for evaluation. They would have to see yours to evaluate it. They also told me the clips could be valuable
My stepdad gave me his Colt 1911 Auto and told me the history of it. I typed it up and had him sign and notorize the document. It had never been fired and went through the South Pacific and North Atlantic during WWII. Several people have been trying to buy it for some time now. They also warned me about scammers out there that will try to get it from you cheap. They have tried and they do talk up a good one.
Fascinating description of our local Oklahoma auction proclivities... LOL But yeah, I like the 1911. Too bad I haven't come across one of those auctions you described in my neck of the Oklahoma woods!
Hey, that Samurai sword looks to be more interesting and may be more valuable than the 1911. Good luck. Rick
Which sword; the jin tachi on the wall or the gunto sword in the pile of military stuff?
Our local antique mall has a "made in India" sword for sale. $200.00 with the red velvet scabbard and tin blade, even signed India? The patience of an antique store owner.
Poor old gun just collecting dust.
Looking at your Colt, I say, by its ser. No4xxx06 that was mfg.ed during mid part of the last 1/2 of 1918. Could fall into the category of a "Black Army" that had a rough style of finish to start. Thus an early start to what it looks like today. Should have a H and P stamped on the barrel hood located through the ejection port or it could be a connected HP. The magazine is correct for the period and I would say is original. I believe you know the value already and you let it go to he bottom of the range. I'd say just keep it, the way it makes you happy with it.