When was this 1911 made?

[warhwkbb]

I have a friend that just purchased an old 1911 complete in the box with manual. It looks like a post WWII civilian model - pre '70 series, but the serial number 333243c dates to 1918. What's the scoop?

 

[tarosean]

Need better pictures... Cannot tell anything from that one other than, its a 1911 with arched MSH and 3 fingerprints.

 

[warhwkbb]

more pics added in OP

 

[243winxb]

My guess is 1970's gun also.

1970

"1911 .45 (COMMERCIAL) WITH C PREFIX, INCLUDING 1ST MODEL NATIONAL MATCH (1933-41)"

This is an approximate date. For a complete firearm history contact Colt's Archive Department. http://www.coltsmfg.com/CustomerServices/SerialNumberLookup.aspx Worth about $800.

 

[highpower]

It is a post war commercial 1911-A1. The SCCF says that the last serial number produced in 1969 was approximately 335000-C. That would make yours made around 1969.

 

[bannockburn]

The serial number listings in the back of "Colt-An American Heritage" show 332650C to 336169C as being the last of the C suffix serial numbers made in 1970 before the start of the 70 series prefix. So basically your friend has a pre-Series 70 Commercial Government model.

 

[vba]

And a very nice gun!

 

[warhwkbb]

Thanks All! My first instinct was correct. Any idea on value? It may be unfired.