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For a non-rearsenaled WWI 1911, you will have to find one that mustered out with a soldier at the end of the Great War, or find one that miraculously survived well enough not to need repair over 110 years.
So any that will get to the CMP inventory in that condition will likely hit their own auction site, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
If you are looking for a collector piece, then a reputable auction house like James Julia or the like would be an option. Gunbroker is a crapshoot.
If you are looking for a shooter, then you can either buy a military re-arsenaled mixmaster and slowly find original parts to put it how you want, or you can buy a Cimarron or Colt WWI reproduction.
The bottom line is that the CMP is not likely to see much that collectors would find appealing and if they do, they have smart enough volunteers that it will end up at auction.
I think it depends on 2 things, how deep are your pockets and how determined are you to find the exact gun you want. I have made a large portion of my income buying at auctions. Every time I buy anything, I am the one in the room that pays the most and dedicates The resources to get the job done. The second bidder never will get a chance to own (or resell) the item. To be a consistently successful auction buyer, you have to be an expert and an optimist at the same time. Not everyone has the type of risk tolerance to get it done. Those guys need to bite the bullet and pay top retail from someone that does. The finest and most expensive WW1 1911's are usually commercial versions that many times were bought for a soldier headed to the front. Guns that were purchased for a cherished family member going into harms way by a family (like Bowie knives and guns during the Civil War) that wanted the soldier to come home. That kind of history has to impart emotions to an object that are undeniable and palpable.From what I've read over the last couple of years on the subject the above ^^ is spot on. Seems a person might be better of trying to get a serviceable rifle from the era if they want an historic piece? That's what I will do at some point.
Something like this perhaps. M1903 Springfield - Wikipedia
MountainBear and Medic bring up some good points...
These pistols can be 100 years old or older...with a long service life in our military or other friendly countries...
Finding one that is all original as it left the factory will be rare and pricey...
That said a well maintained military issue 1911 , even with a mix of parts , that are period military re-fits or repairs is a score with a sense of history...
One thing to keep in mind , is when the military repairs a gun...they want to fix it with a part that works...not necessarily one that is all correct and matching...For future collectors...
Andy
I think it depends on 2 things, how deep are your pockets and how determined are you to find the exact gun you want. I have made a large portion of my income buying at auctions. Every time I buy anything, I am the one in the room that pays the most and dedicates The resources to get the job done. The second bidder never will get a chance to own (or resell) the item. To be a consistently successful auction buyer, you have to be an expert and an optimist at the same time. Not everyone has the type of risk tolerance to get it done. Those guys need to bite the bullet and pay top retail from someone that does. The finest and most expensive WW1 1911's are usually commercial versions that many times were bought for a soldier he headed to the front. Guns that were purchased for a cherished family member going into harms way by a family (like Bowie knives and guns during the Civil War) that wanted the soldier to come home. That kind of history has to impart emotions to an object that are undeniable and palpable.
Nothing wrong with a 100% correct $3200 gun.
A real $1000 GI mixmaster, Or a$350 bubba mixmaster.
Just as long as you don't pay for one. And get the other.