1911 question

southriv · 02-14-2006, 11:36 PM

[QUOTE]....I guess 1911 collecting is about as complicated as it is for a Luger[QUOTE]

...actually, while 1911 collecting can be thorny, I think Luger collecting is a whole lot more complicated. For 1911s, you can get about all the book references you need from Charles Clawson's writings. With Lugers, you need about 2 feet of bookshelf space and you need to cope with the fact that a lot of records were destroyed. There are what; 400 variations and still counting...? Then there is the authenticity thing. 1911s, with half a dozen (or more ) documented variations in finish/ bluing are easier to check than 1911A1s (WW11 vintage) as the parking process varied quite a bit and the counterfieters have been very active there. With Lugers, lately it seems that all high dollar collectables (HKS, Navys, etc) are suspect .... same old games with both venues, I guess. In any case, the more of both that you handle and the more mentoring/advice/ second opinions you get from the most seasoned collectors, the safer and happier you will be with your aquisitions.

I think your 1911 is a good vintage shooter and, because of it's slide, more interesting than most. A potential buyer would be most interested in the parts - like the frame and slide. As mentioned before, the other parts (and the slide stop/takedown lever) are from 1911A1 vintage) The frame numbers for the slides are all listed in Clawson's big book (the $$$$ one). If, by a long shot, someone had one of those frame, there could be a match-up . However, that's a long way to a righteous original.

Ed, Nice '43' RR.....& I definately see things your way, too.

Bob

02-14-2006, 11:36 PM	#25
southriv User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Countryside New England Posts: 148 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	[QUOTE]....I guess 1911 collecting is about as complicated as it is for a Luger[QUOTE] ...actually, while 1911 collecting can be thorny, I think Luger collecting is a whole lot more complicated. For 1911s, you can get about all the book references you need from Charles Clawson's writings. With Lugers, you need about 2 feet of bookshelf space and you need to cope with the fact that a lot of records were destroyed. There are what; 400 variations and still counting...? Then there is the authenticity thing. 1911s, with half a dozen (or more ) documented variations in finish/ bluing are easier to check than 1911A1s (WW11 vintage) as the parking process varied quite a bit and the counterfieters have been very active there. With Lugers, lately it seems that all high dollar collectables (HKS, Navys, etc) are suspect .... same old games with both venues, I guess. In any case, the more of both that you handle and the more mentoring/advice/ second opinions you get from the most seasoned collectors, the safer and happier you will be with your aquisitions. I think your 1911 is a good vintage shooter and, because of it's slide, more interesting than most. A potential buyer would be most interested in the parts - like the frame and slide. As mentioned before, the other parts (and the slide stop/takedown lever) are from 1911A1 vintage) The frame numbers for the slides are all listed in Clawson's big book (the $$$$ one). If, by a long shot, someone had one of those frame, there could be a match-up . However, that's a long way to a righteous original. Ed, Nice '43' RR.....& I definately see things your way, too. Bob