ltwguns.com

I just bought a 1918 build GI Gun. Is it "acceptable" to refurb or update these guns?

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Common sense isn't so common

Finish is 55%- 65% ? usually collector value decreases greatly with finish below 70%, Ty Moore at http://www.coolgunsite.com could give you an experts opinion.

Bill Adair could make the look period new again if you wanted

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My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
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Everything's backwards In Americana

I think I like it better the way it is as opposed to making it look new. Now, an original one that is in new condition'd be cool to......

I think the first thing I would do would be to get a factory letter. If you can find out it was ordered by a Texas Ranger, a Governor, or Baby Face Nelson, it's one thing. I'd leave it alone then
If it went to a hardware store in nowhere, USA, it's another thing.

I think it would be worth the effort and cost of the letter.

ND

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My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
My rights are denied by Those least qualified
Everything's backwards In Americana

It's one of 347,000 Colt 1911's made that year for WWI, unless you have some special documentation about its history it's just one of 347,000. You can find out where it was delivered to (military location) from the Colt factory or Ty Moore... beyond that??? You probably will not find much else.

I would leave it alone, it looks all correct and even with the finish at 50% an all correct WWI 1911 is becoming more and more scarce.

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My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
My rights are denied by Those least qualified
Everything's backwards In Americana

It, ah, doesn't have "Alvin YorK" scratched on it anywhere, does it?

Heard on the radio the other day they figure they've found the exact site of his feat with the 1911..... they even found seven empties. Bit of a stretch but that's what they said.....

[quote="Ned Christiansen"]It, ah, doesn't have "Alvin YorK" scratched on it anywhere, does it?
quote]

No but it can, DREMEL TIME!!

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Common sense isn't so common

According to all the excellent reference material on Ty Moore's site, the frame is stamped with a Springfield Armory proof stamp and "G" government order stamp. However the frame is not marked "Property of ". All the parts appear to be original. No slide or frame cracks.

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Common sense isn't so common

I'm torn. Usually, I would say to customize or refurb away. Looking at it however, it exudes "history". I would probably leave it alone.

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This was handed down to a friend of mine from his Gramps who was a WWI veteran. His gramps crudely removed the US Prop. markings to avoid getting in trouble for possessing gov. property

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My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
My rights are denied by Those least qualified
Everything's backwards In Americana

I would love to have that one just like it is! Leave it alone and find something else to tweak!

Nice piece of history there.

If you decide to do something with it that involves a grip change, I'll take them.

I have a Colt from 1919 that I need a correct pair of grips for.

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Thanks to all for their input. I'm going to get a letter for the gun before I do anything with it. Probably nothing more than a refinish if anything. I've taken it all apart and cleaned out the crud. All appears to be original except the recoil/firing pin springs. It's well oiled for protection and back together now and I'm enjoying it, wondering at the stores it might tell.

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Common sense isn't so common

Wait until you find out what it's worth. If you re-finish it, it will just be another old gun. That thing has character!