Current Market Value of a Colt 1911
How much is a Colt 1911 worth? The average used Colt 1911 is worth $300 to $800, but rare or special models can get more. A brand-new Colt 1911 sells for around $999 from a dealer.
Factors That Affect the Value of Colt 1911
The factors that affect Colt 1911 value are its condition, the model, and the upgrades or accessories coming with it.
Value Factor 1: Condition
Like-New or Mint Condition
- At the top of the preowned Colt 1911 45 value range
- Virtually perfect and never been fired
- No signs of wear or use
Excellent Condition
- Around 10% less than mint
- Near-invisible use marks
- Very rarely used
Very Good
- Around 20% less than mint value
- Used lightly
- Mild wear or handling marks
Good
- Around 30% less than mint value
- Used regularly but with care and maintenance
- Functions perfectly
Fair
- Around 40% less than mint Colt 45 1911 value
- Used regularly but without care
- Worn, with possible mild functional issues
Poor
- At least 50% less than mint value
- Beat up and cosmetically questionable
- May have major functional problems
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Value Factor 2: Colt 1911 Variants/Models
There are a lot of Colt 1911 models or variants. Some aren’t even made by Colt!
We’ll cover several but not all. Remember that you can have us take a look at your gun to ID and appraise it too if you’re not sure which one it is.
Model 1912 or First-Year Colt 1911 Value
The average used Model 1912 or First-Year Colt 1911 is worth $1,000 to $13,000. 1911 pistols with serial numbers below 51 can reach $100,000.
The first 1911s are sometimes called Colt Model 1912. It’s because that’s when they were introduced to users and manufacturing took off. Their serials run from 1 to 17250.
Were any Colt 1911s made in 1911? Yes. The only Colt 1911 pistols actually made in 1911 had the serial numbers 1 to 50. They were assembled on December 28 and 29 that year.
1913, 1914, 1915 Colt 1911 Value
The average used 1913/1914/1915 Colt 1911 is worth $800 to $7,000.
Early Colts like these are popular with collectors. Condition, year, and provenance play a big part in deciding where they are in the Colt 1911 value range.
Their serial number ranges include these: 17251-72570, 83856-102596, 107597-113496, 120567-125566, and 133187-37400.
1917, 1918 Colt 1911 Value
The average used 1917/1918 Colt 1911 is worth $400 to $5,000.
Again, factors like year and condition will matter for these collectibles. Look for serial numbers 137401-594000.
1914, 1915, 1916 Springfield Armory 1911 Value
The average used Springfield Armory 1911 is worth $1,000 to $7,500.
These obviously aren’t Colts, but it’s worth noting their value here anyway.
Demand for the gun exceeded Colt’s manufacturing capabilities during World War I, so other companies were awarded contracts to produce it. Look for serials 72751-83855, 102597-107596, 113497-120566, and 125567-133186.
1918, 1919 Remington UMC 1911 Value
The average used Remington UMC 1911 is worth $900 to $7,000.
Remington was another of the companies tapped to increase 1911 production. Look for serial numbers 1-21676.
North American Arms 1918 Colt 1911 Value
The average used North American Arms 1918 Colt 1911 is worth up to $100,000.
This is one of the rarest 1911s, hence the valuation. The North American Arms contract was supposed to produce 500,000 units but the government cancelled the contract early.
As a result, only 100 of these were ever made. A serious collector’s piece that needs expert gun appraisal for identification.
Pre-WWII Colt 1911 A1 Value
The average used Pre-WWII Colt 1911 A1 is worth $400 to $1,000. Early Colt 1911A1 guns with military roll marks can even be worth around $3,000.
The Colt 1911 A1 was introduced in 1924. It had enhancements like a longer beaver tail grip safety and a shorter trigger.
Note that the blued Army and Navy versions can be worth about 100% more than standard ones. They were made from 1937 to 1941 and are considered desirable.
For serials, the more common US Military Series Model 1911A1 used 710000-734xxx. For the more valuable (by about 25%) 1911 A1 Commercial Government Model, look for C136000-C215000.
Singer M1911A1 Value
The average used Singer M1911A1 is worth up to around $100,000.
This is another 1911 not made by Colt but considered collectible, and thus worth mentioning. Singer only made 500 of these.
Again, you need confirmation from a Colt expert appraiser to verify these. Ones without serials lose a significant amount of value.
Post-WWII Colt 1911 A1 Value
The average post-WWII Colt 1911 A1 is worth $300 to $4,000.
These were made from 1946 to 1949. Prices vary a lot by condition and type.
For example, an excellent-condition one with the “Government Model” mark and a serial number in the 249000C-335000C range can get $1,500. Yet one with the same mark and a serial number in the C220500-C249000 range can more than double that value.
Here are the serials in order of descending value for these models:
- C220000-C220500 (no “Government Model” mark)
- C220500-C249000 (with the “Government Model” mark)
- 334500C to about 336169C (with the “Government Model” and “BB” mark)
- 249000C-335000C (with the “Government Model” mark)
Colt 1911 Classic 45 Value
The average used Colt 1911 Classic 45 is worth $350 to $750. A new Colt 1911 Classic 45 sells for $1,049 at retail.
Based on the old Commercial Government Model 1911 but still in production today. It has the Series 70 firing system and rollmarks on a blued gun. Chambered for .45 ACP, of course!
Colt 1911 Classic SS 45 Value
The average used Colt 1911 Classic SS 45 is worth $300 to $700. A new Colt 1911 Classic SS 45 sells for $999 at retail.
The same gun as the 1911 Classic, just with a stainless steel frame. Again chambered for .45 ACP.
Colt 1911 Classic 38 Value
The average used Colt 1911 Classic 38 is worth $350 to $750. A new Colt 1911 Classic 38 costs $1,049 at retail.
The same gun as the 1911 Classic, but chambered for .38 Special.
Colt 1911 Classic SS 38 Value
The average used Colt 1911 Classic SS 38 is worth $350 to $750. A new Colt 1911 Classic SS 38 sells for $1,049 at retail.
The same gun as the 1911 Classic 38, but with a stainless steel frame.
Colt 1911 Classic Royal Blue Value
The average used Colt 1911 Classic Royal Blue is worth $600 to $1,200. A new Colt 1911 Royal Blue is $1,499 at retail.
The upgrade to the 1911 Classic. This comes with Colt’s famed mirror-polish Royal Blue finish. It also has the Colt Custom rollmark, golden Rampant Colt medallion, and rosewood grips.
Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Value
The average used Colt Optics-Ready 1911 is worth $500 to $1,000. A new Colt Optics-Ready 1911 sells for $1,399 at MSRP.
These are available in both .45 ACP and 9mm variants. Designed as competition pistols, they come with Colt’s optics-mounting plate system.
Walther Colt 1911 Value
The average used Walther Colt 1911 is worth $180 to $500.
A replica of the 1911 A1 that Walther made. It's Colt-branded but exclusively made by Walther and uses .22 LR.
Colt Gold Cup National Match Series 70 Value
The average used Colt 1911 Gold Cup National Match 70 series is worth $500 to $1,000, but special edition ones can sell for more.
These are competition guns with match-grade barrels, adjustable sights, and enhanced triggers. Colt 1911 Gold Cup National Match 70 series 45 ACP valuation varies a lot, as there are subvariants.
Colt XSE Value
The average used Colt XSE is worth $500 to $1,000, but rarer ones can get more. A new Colt XSE sells for $1,000 to $1,500 at retail.
The Colt XSE pistols are variants of the 1911 with modern upgrades like Novak sights and forged steel receivers. The Colt Combat Commander is an XSE.
Colt 1911 Presidential Edition Value
The average used Colt 1911 Presidential Edition is worth $650 to $1,700.
These 1911 variants are actually Colt XSEs and are typically limited-production-run guns. Most are designed for exhibition.
As such, they sport features like gold accents, engraving, presidential seals, and presentation cases.
La Revolución Pancho Villa Custom 1911 Value
The average used La Revolución Pancho Villa 1911 is worth $1,000 to $2,500. A new Pancho Villa 1911 sells for $3,000 at retail.
This was an SK Customs release of 300 pistols. Chambered for .38 Special, it’s decorated with elaborate Cannas floral scroll, plating, and Kirinite-style grips.
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Value Factor 3: Accessories or Upgrades
Some Colt 1911 accessories can boost value, but it varies. Remember that not all buyers want the “extras.” Most just want the gun.
Original Box and Papers
Sometimes, the factory box and papers can improve value. This is especially true for older or collectible models.
Value: Usually adds $10 to $25
Spare Magazines
Always popular for the models that are actually meant to be shot. Less so for collectibles.
Value: Can add $7 to $15 per magazine
Aftermarket Grips
Not popular with everyone but really good ones (like the VZ Grips) can sell if they’re for a 1911 that’s meant to be shot often.
Value: Can add 20% to 40% of the accessory’s original value
Optics/Sights
Naturally only a consideration if your 1911 is optic-ready and if the optics or sights are from good brands (Holosun, Trijicon, etc.) plus in great condition.
Value: Can add 30% to 50% of the accessory’s original value
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