Inherited WWI Pistols **Updated with Sauer 1913 pics!**

m39a2 said:
nate18, my young friend, never, never, reblue a historical piece. What ever that 1911 is worth (I'd value it at $ 1,400 at first glance but a Colt collector will be better at it) if reblued, that gun would be worth a couple hundred to a collector. Just cause it looks old and worn out ( Which this example does not) doesn't make it worthless!

Scott
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With a Colt letter confirming it's one of the 5,000 Colts shipped to Canada for WWI use and documented providence to the name engraved on the slide I'd give it a heck of a lot more than $1,400..... :cool:

And yeah, never reblue an old beauty like this, family heritage or not!

It's almost time for GrantR to jump in on this thread...... ;)

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NAA.
 
Sorry, just a guess on my part. I'm a Colt revolver guy, not really a pistol guy. With the letter, what do you think? That holster would add quite a bit of value if it hasn't been dicked with i'm guessing.
Scott
 
Congratulations very nice gift from your grandfather,do a little research on both pistols you never know what you will find out.
onthos
 
The Colt looks in great condition. Great looking stocks. The small amount of wear on the finish is what gives it character and makes it valueable. Both the holster and the Colt appears they cleaned up pretty good.

You can research your gr. gr. Uncle through Veterans Affairs. For a small fee they will copy his file and send it to you. I have WW1 military files for three of my great Uncles. Two of the files are an inch thick and list everything from where they left, to where they went, every battle fought, injuries, battle wounds, hospital stays, right till the war ended and discharged for one and when the other two were killed in action.

Also, your Uncle' medals will be listed in his file. These may still be obtainable, for a fee, from Verterans Affairs. His file and medals would be a nice addition to the gun and holster.
 
fmb said:
Curious, did the Canadian government/military stamp or mark the .45 at all ?
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There is a C-BroadArrow stamped on the magazine ...which I believe supports the Canadian Contract heritage ( NAA feel free to comment, I got this info from a 1911 forum you posted in :) )
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there are 2 other stamps I'm not familiar with, but I;m sure are known to the 1911 gurus out there
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Rod said:
You can research your gr. gr. Uncle through Veterans Affairs. For a small fee they will copy his file and send it to you. I have WW1 military files for three of my great Uncles. Two of the files are an inch thick and list everything from where they left, to where they went, every battle fought, injuries, battle wounds, hospital stays, right till the war ended and discharged for one and when the other two were killed in action.

Also, your Uncle' medals will be listed in his file. These may still be obtainable, for a fee, from Verterans Affairs. His file and medals would be a nice addition to the gun and holster.
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Not Veterans Affairs - you get that through Library and Archives Canada. I work at VAC and used to get those questions all the time, but we don't have service records.

Was his name Henry Lionel Wiglesworth (the glare on the slide hides a couple letters)? If that's him, here are his Attestation papers: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/...rval=20&&PHPSESSID=mje3bmg3228i4plj4dkhquivm4

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Killer Kanuck said:
Not Veterans Affairs - you get that through Library and Archives Canada. I work at VAC and used to get those questions all the time, but we don't have service records.

Was his name Henry Lionel Wiglesworth (the glare on the slide hides a couple letters)? If that's him, here are his Attestation papers:
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Wow... that's amazing yup that's him
 
nate18 said:
wil you reblue them? im new to this buit the 1911 looks like it could use it, or will you leave it for the history look?

awsome find, a bit like a barn find lol, but more like a safe find
good job cleaning as well. there beautiful
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don't every reblue them or you will lose a great deal of the collector's value!!
 
NAA said:
With a Colt letter confirming it's one of the 5,000 Colts shipped to Canada for WWI use and documented providence to the name engraved on the slide I'd give it a heck of a lot more than $1,400..... :cool:

And yeah, never reblue an old beauty like this, family heritage or not!

It's almost time for GrantR to jump in on this thread...... ;)

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NAA.
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this is exciting to read as i also have a colt almost identical to this one, with the name, unit, etc engraved on the slide. i received it from the grandson of the vet who carried it in ww1.

it is work a lot more that 1,400,

the last one i saw at marstar without the engraving/background was going for around $2,500
 
Definately an heirloom worth keeping, lovely gift from your grandfather. I just wish mine had left me his Webley.
 
I wish my grand father was still alive to ask him question about his Dad or uncle even Cousin . Dont you ever sale this no matter what. This is a piece of your History , Our history.
 
Congrats! I hope you can relish it and pass it down through your family. You're are very fortunate! Thanks for showing it to us.
 
you made my day. congrats.

like every one said do not blue or do anything to it. i've seen to many u.s g.i 45's ruined because some one has changed something or had them smithed or worst did it themselves. should become a safe queen. maybe only shot on your grandad's birthday. you might want to see if colt can send you a copy of the serial number list.

again real nice.
 
faswagon said:
Thanks all for the comments.
I'm not going to reblue the colt, I'd rather keep it all original.
I won't be keeping either gun in the holster, but rather keeping them in a proper display case, with the holsters, in my gun room.
The name engraved on the side is that of my granddad's uncle and his division (1st CMR) I'll look in to the serial number and see what more I can find out.
Granddad wrote a letter about the history of the guns and gave it to me with them, I'm going to get it printed on some quality paper, and display it with the pistols.

Anyone recommend where to get a decent display case/box ?
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On pain of death, do not even think of refinishing these pistols; they are a treasure. If you have a concern with the condition, just think if what you will look like at 96 years old.

Regards,

Richard :)
 
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