What's it worth?

[JasonV]

Hy guys, been lurking off and on for a little while. Thought I'd finally join and get some info from everyone.

I inherited a gun from my grandfather 2 years ago and would apprecieate any info. It is a 1911 .45 that has seen better days.

I'm kind of wanting to bring it back into service, but am worried about any serious value that it may have (cash wise). It does hold significant personal value to me, but I don't believe that my grand father would want it sitting on a shelf and not being used.


On the safety side of the gun it has these markings
F J A just above the mag release
P or D just under the mag release (faded badly)
Ithaca Gun Co Inc on the slide

On top in front of the rear sight is a P

On the right side

O on the upper part of the trigger guard
Above the trigger it states
UNITED STATES PROPERTY M 1911 A1 U.S. ARMY
with the serial number123XXXX

That part has me worried a little.

The rifiling is about 75% gone, lots of wear/holster marks. The grip on the left side is loose (top screw stripped) and the overall finish is about 45% (optomistic)

I've shot the gun and at @ 15yds it will group in the <3" range.

Would I hurt any money value of this gun if I were to "fix it up?" Say a new barrel, fix the stripped screw and add new grips, maybe a new finish?

I'm not looking to turn it into the "supreme tack driving gun", just want to have a fast reliable range gun that was my grandfathers.

Any opnions? Suggestions?

[Kinny]

This is the way I see this. Are you looking to get rid of it? If your grandfather left it for you, I assume that he wants you to keep it and use it. The gun will only worth something to you because it has sentimental value. So use it and use it well. It would call up a smith or a place like Wilson Combat and see what they can do to bring gramps back into tip top shape. Just my opinion though.. :)

[THELimey]

I would keep it exactly as it is and get something else as a regular shooter put a box or two thru this one yearly on Gramps's birthday and make that a tradition.You are only 'holding' this one it belongs to your kids and their kids.....kids.Remember money is easily gained and lost you are very lucky to have such an important part of your familys history.............treasure it 'as is'.

[paul45]

Your Ithaca was made in 1943,according to my 2002 guide.Here is my opinion....DO NOT touch anything on that pistol.It has great value as it is. It is an important part of American history as well as your families. Go to " Louder than Words" .com, register, and post your same question on the "collectible pistols" forum....you might be shocked at what you have. I am not an expert, but I do know that if you change anything on the gun,such as finish as you mentioned, it will destroy 90% of its value. Can you post pics? I would love to see it!

[larry starling]

I have to agree with Paul45!dont touch it sounds like you have a piece of history there!!!!Leave it alone and enjoy it as it is!!!!

[Wolfgang]

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/

Try here:)

[Jim Watson]

If it were MY Grandpa's service pistol, I would want it to look used but cared for. I would:
1. Replace the stripped screw. Actually it is probably the grip screw bushing that is stripped, so get that done by somebody who knows his way around 1911s. It is an odd size very fine thread. The oversize replacements made for stripped holes are an even odder size very fine thread and there is some fitting required.
2. Replace the grips. Gil Hebard sells Herrett grips to late GI specs - plain walnut, checkered all over, for $10. You can still find WW II vintage plastic grips if that is what your Ithaca came with.
3. Clean the barrel very thoroughly. Allowed to soak in solvent and brushed hard, it might come out better than you think. If not, replace it. There are plenty of GI, fake GI, and Springfield takeoff barrels out there.
4. Replace the recoil and firing pin springs. About $8 from Wolff.

Then I would take it shooting anytime it suited me. It doesn't "have headspace" it isn't going to blow up, and it isn't going to wear out unless you use it to get to Master class in competition.

I would definitely save the old grips and barrel so it could be put back to the way you got it for best dollar value and period appearance.

I would NOT have it refinished. A town gunsmith blue, parkerized, or coated (painted) finish will reduce the dollar value considerably. A museum quality restoration back to new appearance will cost more than the dollar value of the gun.