Just Inherited A Colt Model 1905 In 45 ACP

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loadedround

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As the title states I just inherited the above pistol in what I estimate to be in 92+ condition with an original magazine, and with the old original style non spur hammer. S/N is 10XX. I haven't the faintest idea of what this firearm is worth, where to post it if I were to sell it, and what it would be worth in a trade for a pristine Colt 1911A1 with U.S. markings. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Pic attached. IMG_0947.JPG IMG_0948.JPG
 
I have to question the estimate of condition; to me that gun appears to have been heavily polished and re-blued, probably with cold blue. (One indicator is the relatively "smooth" metal compared with the hard-used wood grips.) For that reason, I will have to decline giving an estimated value without having the gun "in hand." I have no idea who did the ill-advised "restoration", but unless the original condition was very bad, the work probably reduced the gun's value rather than enhancing it.

Jim
 
Congratulations on inheriting an extremely cool and potentially quite valuable firearm! I hope the circumstances of inheritance were not painful.

Hopefully, some has access to a Blue Book account and can give you an estimate based on your evaluation of condition as a starting point. That will give you a basis for deciding whether a proper professional valuation that is likely to cost you is worth pursuing. My view is that one of the better auction houses would likely be the best bet, unless there's an established collector's association that would allow you to avoid auction fees.

Best of luck.
 
Jim:
I've been collecting for over 45 years, and I can assure you that this piece has not been refinished or reblued and still has at least 85% original finish. My pics may look like a refinished piece, but it's probably because I wiped it down with a oily rag to get the crud and dust off off the finish. This pistol sat in a bedroom closet for over 60 years and was in the same family since almost new.
 
From the tone of the OP, it doesn't read like it has much sentimental value. :confused:
I'd think it would be a fine addition to any "collection" that includes semi-autos.
It's worth about $3800 in 90% condition. You might want to get another opinion or two as to condition.
 
I know that what I'm about to say is controversial, but IMO those grips could be vastly improved if the checkering was carefully refreshed. I would do that if it was my gun.
 
Even though the photos are less than ideal I would tend to agree with the OP that it looks to still have it's original finish on it. I have no idea as to what it's valuation might be but I think it would be worth it to have it professionally appraised along with maybe seeing about getting a factory letter from Colt.
 
Wow! What a rare and impressive piece of history. I would seriously question letting it out of my collection just to get a relatively common GI 1911. Come to think of it, the 1905 is the direct ancestor to the 1911, and I believe introduced the .45 acp to the market.
 
Wow nice gun! But, ya if there's no sentimental history there, I'd sell it for something you can shoot and enjoy- and buy some bonds or something to give the kids for college money with the change.....
IIRC these things aren't considered safe to shoot much with modern ammo anyway?
Not to get off topic too much, but a guy at my work just found an immaculate Baby Nambu in his late fathers closet in a shoe box, complete with holster, cleaning kit, and spare mag! Not being a gun guy, he had asked me to take a look at the "Japanese Luger" they had discovered and was it worth anything. Once I told him what he had and what it was worth, he sat down with the family and they all agreed to keep it as his dad was a WW2 vet who had rarely talked about the war and hadnt left much else for the family to pass on. It is now in a Lexan case with some pictures and the few other mementos of grandpa- its a really touching memorial to the man and his service.
 
That's the 2nd 'gifted' 1905 I've seen on a gun board in the past week (the other'n is a 32 ACP). Didn't notice before that there is no safety(?)
 
I have always had a Thing for the old "parallel ruler" Colts but the price has always stayed one increment more than what I was willing to pay. I might pay a 20th century price for one, but not the current going rate. Gifts are nice to get.
 
Jim K. FYI, this past Friday night I had this pistol looked at by one of our club members who is a firearm appraiser for two of the larger firearm auctioneers in my area. he stated it has 80+% original finish, no sign of any attempt to refinish and said it should bring at least 4000.00 if it went to auction. If I do sell it, I'll ask only 3400.00-3500.00.
 
Yep, weren't many product liability lawyers in 1905, I guess. BTW, check out the length of that extractor!




Colt made a 1910 model with out an external safety
The govt rejected it. JMB put on the safety and gave birth to the 1911
Last i read, 9 model . 1910s exist.
 
.455_Hunter:
Thank you very much for this background information on my newly acquired Colt 1905 pistol. It was most appreciated.
Mike aka Loadedround
 
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