A little help with a WWII era 1911

[12 Volt Man]

My Brother-In-Law's father gave him a wonderful gift yesterday. It is a Colt M1911A1 that belonged to his Grandfather who was a WW2 Vet. We assume this was his sidearm. It is Parked, and it a beauty. The finish is at least 80% showing mostly holster wear. The Serial Number is 7410xx. It says "United States Property M1911A1 US Army" on the side. There is a Stamped "RS" right below the slide stop. A Stamped "P" right below the Magazine release. Also a Stamped "P" on the top of the slide.
Here are some pics. I wonder does anyone know the value of such a gun? Also does anyone know when it would have been made? I also wanted to share with you guys that I got to see and handle such a great gun.

edited for spelling

 

[SnWnMe]

Made in 1941 by Colt.

It's probably worth around $500 to $600. Of course the historic and sentimental value is priceless.

 

[Old Fuff]

Your gun is a Colt. It was shipped to: Commanding General; Springfield Armory on or about Oct. 10, 1941. Notice that this pre-dates Pearl Harbor, which happened on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941.

The R.S. stamp should be outlined in a box. It is the mark of Col. Robert Sears, who was an Army Inspector of Ordnance at Colt between Aug. 3, 1937 through Jun. 30, 1941. It is believed that he inspected Colts between serial numbers 723000 through 750500. Your serial number, 7410xx falls within this range.

The letter "P" on the slide and frame are government proof marks.

Parkerizing would be the correct original finish. You may find additional marks on the slide under the firing pin stop, and on the frame around the disconector hole.

The pictures seem to indicate that all of the visable parts are original and correct for a gun made at this time by Colt.

Pre-World War II 1911-A1 pistols are much harder to find in this condition then those made during the war. I woud estimate its value to be between $700.00 to $1,200.00

 

[12 Volt Man]

Fast, knowledgable service. Many Thanks!!!!

 

[dsk]

SnWnMe and Old Fuff, if either of you two have any original-condition RS-marked M1911A1 Colts lying around, I'll gladly buy all of them up at the prices you just quoted in a heartbeat. A refinished beater is worth about $500. A minty original parkerized RS Colt is worth over $2000. A blued one is worth about a grand more. With the wear on this one I'd place its value at around $1500 or so.

BTW Ordnance inspectors like Col. Robert Sears didn't actually perform the inspections themselves. Subordinates did, acting under his authority.

 

[VG]

...What DSK said.

WWII Remington Rands with decent finish are climbing to $1,000. Colts in general and pre-war in particular seem to go for much more.

 

[Old Fuff]

While a pre-war 1911-A1 might go for a higher figure then I quoted, I tend to be a bit cautious when estimating the value of a gun I haven't examined. You can only tell so much from a photograph.

I am aware of a "Remington-Rand" that recently sold on an auction for something close to $800.00 that was in fact an arsenal rebuild consisting of a 1911 WW-1 period frame with a Remington slide.

In my post I suggested to this 1911-A1's owner that additional markings could be found on the slide under the firing pin stop, and on the frame around the disconector hole. If he should look, and then post what he finds, and everything is what it should be, I will gladly up my estimate of value - but not before.

 

[12 Volt Man]

We did see the marks on the slide and they all matched.

 

[MaterDei]

I have no clue as to value, but what a beaut!