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View Full Version : A Tale of Two Colts (which to buy) … M1911 mfg. 1917 vs. M1911 mfg. 1914 ...


Carl Casto
03-13-2013, 02:45
A Tale of Two Colts (which to buy) … M1911 mfg. 1917 vs. M1911 mfg. 1914 ...

OPINIONS WELCOME ... !!!


Guys …

I have a chance to buy 1 of 2 Colt M1911s, each one belonging to a separate seller.

I want an early, functional representative M1911 that was likely in both WWI and WWII.
Both of these seemingly fit the bill. … Neither are safe queens ... nor do I desire a safe queen.

The first one is shown and described in the thread linked below entitled “Est. value of M1911 mfgd. early to mid 1917”:

http://www.jouster.com/forums/showthread.php?37184-Est.-value-of-M1911-mfgd.-early-to-mid-1917-...

I do not yet know if this first one has the “P” and “H” marks on the top of the barrel visible through the ejection port (indicating a likely original barrel), but will soon be checking that out. I will also soon learn if the first one has an original, two-toned magazine of the period.


The second one is described below and shown in pics in this and the following posts.

The second one appears to be in similar condition to the first one, perhaps slightly better than the 1st one re metal finish and perhaps slightly worst than the 1st one re wooden grip condition. It was manufactured 3 years earlier than the first one, making it made it 1914 with a serial no. of 86XXX.

The second one does not have the “P” and “H” marks on the top of the barrel (indicating that it is likely either a replacement barrel or that the “P” and “H” marks have worn off the top of the barrel).

The seller of the second one believes that the slide and frame are from the same original gun and they may be. But there also may appear to be a slight difference in patina between the slide and frame of the second gun. See what you think and give me your opinion.


Both guns are priced between $1,500 and $2,000 … with the first one being a couple of hundred more than the second.

If you could only buy one of the guns, and simply wanted an early, functional representative M1911 that was likely in both WWI and WWII … which would you buy … and why?

Looking forward to the feedback of all who wish to post a reply … and please include your reasoning.

Thanks,

Carl
Carl Casto
03-13-2013, 02:52
More pics of second M1911 ...
Carl Casto
03-13-2013, 02:56
Final pics of second M1911 ... attached ...

Carl
da gimp
03-13-2013, 02:58
I like the first pistol best...........looks a lil cleaner & if it is all original, go ith it.....
joem
03-14-2013, 06:20
Take out a loan and buy BOTH!!!
mpd1978
03-14-2013, 09:47
I would buy the 1914 pistol, much harder to find than a 1917 pistol shipped to Springfield Armory. 86567 was shipped to the Quartermaster Corps, state of New Jersey on June 12 1914. The barrel is wrong, but otherwise looks to be well worth 1500$, especially with a unique shipping destination, probably for the state militia.
Duane Hansen
03-14-2013, 12:17
I would go with the pistol that is original and correct. Finding a correct Horizontal HP Colt barrel for the earlier Colt will be very difficult and even if you do it will never be Original. The value in the future will definately depend on originality, so if you care about future resale and you want the pistol to appreciate in value, I believe the 1917 is a better choice. IMO
Carl Casto
03-15-2013, 10:48
I would buy the 1914 pistol, much harder to find than a 1917 pistol shipped to Springfield Armory. 86567 was shipped to the Quartermaster Corps, state of New Jersey on June 12 1914. The barrel is wrong, but otherwise looks to be well worth 1500$, especially with a unique shipping destination, probably for the state militia.

Duane,

Three quick follow-up questions, please.

1.) It appears from your comments that the SRS records show the 1917 / s.n. 183338 being shipped to the Springfield Armory? If the SRS records do indeed indicate that, do the records also indicate on what date the 1917 / s.n. 183338 was shipped to the Springfield Armory ... or anything else about that M1911?

2,) It also appears from your comments that the SRS records show that the 1914 / s.n. 86567 being shipped to the Quartermaster Corps, state of New Jersey on June 12 1914. Does the fact that this M1911 was sent to the "unique shipping destination" of the NJQC, in and of itself, make the 1914 more appealing to you? ... Or is it that fact, plus the fact that the 1914 is a rarer M1911 than the 1917 ... with about 30,000 of the 1914 being manufactured, as opposed to about 75,000 of the 1917 being made?

3.) Considering their respective histories, would both M1911s have had an equal chance of being in both World Wars?

Thanks,

Carl
mpd1978
03-15-2013, 12:48
The shipping info isn't from the SRS. The info is published in several books about the 1911, no other details are known.
Carl Casto
03-16-2013, 01:55
The shipping info isn't from the SRS. The info is published in several books about the 1911, no other details are known.

mpd1978,

Thanks for the clarification!

Carl
oldcanuck
03-17-2013, 09:43
Condition and originality should always win out. Earlier is always better as long as the first 2 criteria have been met.