Rating and value of American Colt revolvers (ACP M1911)

If you own a Colt ACP revolver, and would like to know its value, or if you don't know, the period and model of your gun, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can offer you their expert appraisal services.

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

Then, if you want to sell your property, we'll point you in the right direction to get the best possible price.  

Rating and value of Colt ACP revolvers

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

Prices for these objects can now rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. Buyers from all over the world are interested in sales of certain rare pieces.

The price at which they are selling on the art market ranges from €240 to €4,400, at the moment, a substantial difference 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, whereas its estimate was between €1,500 and €2,500.

Value order ranging from simple to prestigious

History of Colt M1911 revolvers

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

Designed as a semi-automatic pistol with short barrel recoil, it was adopted by the US Army in 1911 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 American 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 rugged, powerful and fast-reloading weapon.

Production began as soon as it was adopted in 1911, mainly at the Colt factory in Connecticut, a company that became inseparable from its success.

During the First World War, the Colt M1911 became the standard handgun 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, was released, incorporating subtle modifications to enhance ergonomics, including a shortened trigger, modified grip and wider handlebars.

These adjustments reflect a constant desire to improve, in response to feedback from soldiers.

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

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

The M1911's fame extends beyond the United States. A manufacturing license is granted to the Kongsberg factory in Norway, enabling them to produce local copies of the Colt, sometimes modified to meet national specifications.

At the same time, the M1911's design inspired many guns around the world, and unofficial copies, sometimes of varying quality, proliferated on the market, testifying to the model's enduring influence. 

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

Despite the emergence of more modern models, it remains in service with 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 almost 75 years.

But beyond the battlefields, 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 ruggedness of the Colt M1911. In 1943, at the height 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 gun 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 trying to enter the house.

Thanks to his precision and the power of his 45 ACP ammunition, he managed to neutralize several attackers, 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 recorded in a military report, and Olsen was later awarded a medal for his courage.

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

Soldiers appreciated its robustness, mechanical simplicity and ability to operate 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 became equally popular with law enforcement and civilian shooters. Whether in competition or self-defense, it continued to prove its accuracy and power.

Numerous 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 popular at auction because they are in demand as collector's items, just like the Saint Étienne ordinance revolversordinance revolvers Smith & Wessonrevolvers or Savage Navy revolvers.

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

The Colt M1911, for example, appears in Ridley Scott's The Black Hawk and Apocalypse Now. It can also be seen in Johann Sfar's biopic of Gainsbourg.  

The Colt M1911, an icon of American weaponry, made its way onto the silver screen in its first years of service, and has become an indispensable movie weapon. In war films, it is often associated with American officers and soldiers, symbolizing strength and precision.

Films such as The Red Line (1998) and Saving 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 also featured prominently in films noirs of the 1940s and 1950s, where it was 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 make its mark on the collective imagination across genres.

Reasons to auction a Colt ACP revolver  

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

These objects are not just weapons, but a historical testimony to the scientific evolution of American weapons 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 the form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as any relevant information about it.

If you want to sell your property, our specialists will also help you find alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.