Rating and value of American Colt revolvers (ACP M1911)

If you own a Colt ACP revolver, and would like to know its value, as well as, if you don't know, the era and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services.

Our specialists will work to carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and will provide you with an accurate estimate of its value on today's market.

Then, if you wish to sell your property, we will direct you to the best possible device to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of Colt ACP revolvers

Colt ACP revolvers are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable depending on the model and state of preservation.

Now, prices for these objects can rise considerably at the auctioneers' gavel. Buyers from all over the world are interested in selling some of these rare pieces.

The price at which they are selling on the art market ranges from €240 to €4,400, at the moment, a consequent discrepancy but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons.

In 2016, a Colt M1911 revolver repainted by Antoinio Riello, semi-automatic and caliber 45 sold for €1,500 while it was estimated at between €1,500 and €2,500.

Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious

History of Colt M1911 revolvers

The Colt M1911, often nicknamed the Colt ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), embodies one of the most iconic weapons in modern military history.

Designed as a semi-automatic pistol with short barrel recoil, it was adopted in 1911 by the US Army to replace the standard revolvers of the time, marking a turning point in military weaponry.

For almost 75 years, until 1985, it remained the official sidearm of the US armed forces, crossing the decades as a symbol of reliability and efficiency. 

The fruit of the ingenuity of John Moses Browning, famous gunsmith and prolific inventor, the M1911 is designed to meet the needs of a robust, powerful and quick-to-reload weapon.

Production began as soon as it was adopted in 1911, mainly carried out by the Colt factory in Connecticut, a company that would become inseparable from its success.

By World War I, the Colt M1911 had established itself as the standard sidearm of American troops, playing a crucial role in the trenches, thanks to its ability to fire .45 ACP caliber bullets, offering remarkable stopping power. 

In 1926, an improved version, the M1911A1, saw the light of day, incorporating subtle modifications to enhance its ergonomics, including a shortened trigger, modified grip and wider front sight.

These adjustments testify to a constant drive for improvement, responding to feedback from soldiers.

In addition to Colt, other American manufacturers contributed to its production, including the Singer Company and Remington Rand, each leaving their mark on the quality and value of the examples produced.

These variations today explain the disparities in the prices of these pistols on the collectors' and auction markets, where some rare models fetch considerable sums. 

The fame of the M1911 extends beyond the borders of the United States. A manufacturing license is granted to the Norwegian factory in Kongsberg, enabling the latter to produce copies of the Colt locally, sometimes modified to meet national specifications.

In parallel, the M1911's design inspires many guns around the world, and unofficial copies, sometimes of varying quality, proliferate on the market, testifying to the model's lasting influence.

Used in both world wars, the M1911 is appreciated for its robustness and ease of maintenance, two essential qualities in often testing combat conditions.

Despite the appearance of more modern models, it remains in service in some special units, proof of its legendary reliability.

Today, the Colt M1911 is not only a symbol of 20th-century military engineering, but also a prized collector's item, perpetuating the fascination with this iconic weapon. 

Historical focus : the Italian campaign

The Colt M1911, also known as the Colt ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), is an iconic weapon that has spanned the decades with a reputation for efficiency and reliability.

Designed by John Moses Browning, it was adopted by the US Army in 1911 and used as a service weapon for nearly 75 years.

But beyond the battlefield, the M1911 has also left its mark on history through fascinating anecdotes that bear witness to its impact.

During the Second World War, a remarkable story illustrates the robustness of the Colt M1911. In 1943, in the midst of the Italian campaign, Corporal John P. Olsen, a member of the American forces, found himself caught in a German ambush.

Separated from his unit, he sought refuge in an abandoned house. There, he realized that all he had left was his Colt M1911 and two magazines. The situation seemed hopeless, but the weapon was about to prove its worth.

For over six hours, Olsen used his Colt M1911 to defend his position against a dozen German soldiers, who were attempting to enter the house.

Thanks to his precision and the power of his 45 ACP ammunition, he managed to neutralize several assailants, forcing them to retreat. When Allied reinforcements finally arrived, they found Olsen exhausted but unharmed, with his M1911 still warm in his hands.

This episode was recounted in a military report, and Olsen later received a medal for his courage.

Olsen's story is just one example of how the M1911 earned its reputation as a reliable weapon in extreme conditions.

Soldiers appreciated it for its ruggedness, mechanical simplicity and ability to function even in harsh environments.

Its semi-automatic barrel-return mechanism guaranteed consistent performance, even after hours of intensive use.

This exceptional reliability didn't stop with the war. In the years that followed, the Colt M1911 also became popular with law enforcement and civilian shooters. In competition or self-defense, it continued to prove its accuracy and power.

Many copies and variants were produced around the world, but the original models, made by Colt or other licensed manufacturers, such as Remington Rand, Singer or Kongsberg, remain highly sought-after by collectors.

Today, the Colt M1911 is a timeless symbol. Its legacy lives on in tales of bravery like John P. Olsen's, reminding us that sometimes, a gun is not just a tool, but an unfailing companion in the most critical moments.

The success of Colt ACP revolvers   

Colt ACP revolvers are successful at auction because they are a collectible weapon in demand, just like revolvers d'ordonnance Saint Étienne, revolvers Smith & Wesson, or the revolvers Savage Navy.

Production was relatively consistent as this was a weapon produced for the army, which explains why prices don't exceed €5,000.

The weapon is today collected for its history, but also for the contribution it has made to artistic culture worldwide  the Colt M1911 appears, for example, in Ridley Scott's The Black Hawk, or in Apocalypse now. It can also be seen in the Gainsbourg biopic by Johann Sfar.  

The Colt M1911, an icon of American weaponry, made its way onto screens in its early years of service, and has established itself as an indispensable weapon in cinema. In war films, it is often associated with American officers and soldiers, symbolizing strength and precision.

Films like The Red Line (1998) and Save Private Ryan (1998) feature the Colt M1911 as the weapon of choice for the military, true to its reputation for ruggedness. It also appears in numerous westerns, where it becomes the emblem of the vigilante or outlaw.

The M1911 was also very much in evidence in film noirs of the 1940s and 1950s, where it is used to underline the ruthlessness of private detectives.

Its recognizable silhouette enhances the intensity of scenes, adding a touch of realism. With its distinctive design and history, the Colt M1911 continues to leave its mark on the collective imagination across genres.

Reasons to sell a Colt ACP revolver at auction  

If you own a Colt M1911 revolver or another model, and you don't know how to sell it, auctions are one solution. Many collectors are looking for old models.

These objects are not just guns, but a historical witness to the scientific evolution of American gun design.

Knowing the value of a Colt revolver    

If you happen to own a Colt revolver, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, not forgetting to send you ad hoc information about it.

If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.