Hey Rick, I agree with most of your assessment, but my 1951 is untouched and NIB as if it just rolled off the assembly line...and the MSH pin was installed "backwards". It's pretty common on Commercials, for whatever reason.The grips are not original, a trigger shoe has been added, and the mainspring housing retaining pin is installed backwards, so even if it hasn't been shot, it's not untouched.
2022 gun values seem to be calculated in play money, and wouldn't be surprised to see that tagged $2000 or more at my LGS.
+1...it's not untouched.
I'd buy that pistol for $1250 without thinking twice, even with its warts. There's nothing wrong with it that can't be corrected. I think $2000 is more like it. Yes I know there are collectors here who claim to be able to find these things for $900 all day long, but I don't have one of their magic 1911 magnets.If I had to guess right now I'd say $1250.
Filson do you know of a source for original or reproduction Coltwood grips of this time period? I have a 1959 Government model currently sporting gold cup grips from a later time period. If I could get the correct grips for mine I would like to do so.I collect high condition, pre 70 series pistols and own four 1966 Colts, three of which are Government Models. My average cost is/was $1725. The example shown, with box, although not entirely correct, is an unusually nice pistol. The original finish is nearly perfect and, in that condition, very hard to find.
It should retail for $2200-$2300. As a collector, I'd probably pay $1700-$1800, remove the trigger shoe, replace the grips and be happy.
There is a company that makes replacement grips but I've forgotten the name. dsk has the information, ie name and website. FWIW, I've looked at pictures and am not comfortable about how close they approximate original grips.Filson do you know of a source for original or reproduction Coltwood grips of this time period? I have a 1959 Government model currently sporting gold cup grips from a later time period. If I could get the correct grips for mine I would like to do so.