Got a new, old toy.

[huntnut]

I few months ago I got a Colt 1911 from my father-in-law, which was his dads. The serial # is C123xxx made in 1920 as far as I can come up with. Its 85% on the finish mostly holster wear. Its in a leather US military flap holster. The mechanics of the gun is good but it does need a new extractor because the hook is worn off it. Any one know about what it would be worth? I figured around $1200-$1400, thats about going price on gunbroker but with out a gun blue book I not for sure.

[williamlayton]

Could be more. Check out Collectors Firearms list of some the have.
Personally---just me---the worth of a weapon is in the history and the sentiment.
Now, and this may seem a contradiction, I would let a GOOD Smith, one with feelings and a good head, take a look at it, put it in GOOD working order and used so as it has been used for years, for shooting and defense.
You know the history and it is your history---continue the history---those before you would stand and cheer.
Blessings

[LakeErieAmmoLLC]

your best answer is to bring the gun in to a gunsmith. most have a blue book and will not only fix the extractor, but should be able to look it up in the BLUE BOOK OF GUN VALUES. If you are worried about getting an extractor that is not original you can go to WWW.NUMRICH.COM  your pistol will be listed under the U.S. military section they may have the part you need. in original condition ( a colt military extractor).
PS these were used alot during the war and you may be able to shoot it without affecting its value ask the person you has it appraised by if you should use it or not and dont be afraid to seek more than 1 appraisal

[rbwillnj]

If you want to shoot it, get the extractor fixed.  If you want to sell it, leave it the way it is.   But why would you want to sell a family heirloom?