Early Ruger MkI red eagle pistol

[1911crazy]

I read somewhere about the ruger red eagle on the grips on the early MkI's are worth more because when Bill Ruger passed away they changed the red eagle to black.  I picked up one a while back for $150 and just seen one for $750.  Be on the look out for these.

[guzzijohn]

I believe the color was changed after the death of Alexander McCormick Sturm.
GuzziJohn

[BigMuddy]

I believe the color was changed after the death of Alexander McCormick Sturm.
GuzziJohn

That is true! The "Red Eagles" do bring more money when in collectible condition. I am not sure if any MK I's ever had red eagles. True Ruger collectors will know. I have only seen them on "Standards".

Dan

[anachronism]

There's also an anniversary model that was made several years back that had red medallions. These are not in the same class with the first standard models.

[flatgate]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Standard




flatgate

[Pot-Bellied Stallion]

I have an original Standard Model with a red medallion and was told be a Ruger "expert" at a gun show that the medallion had been overpainted in red.  I sent the serial number and photos of the pistol to Ruger and they couldn't confirm whether it pre-dated the death of Sturm or not.  My father bought the pistol in 1956 for $10.00, and it was used when he bought it.  I would still like to confirm its manufacture date.  Does anyone know the best way to do this other than contacting Ruger?

[flatgate]

Yes,
Ruger's records dept. can give you the "ship" date, i.e. the day it was removed from their "books" and transfered to the receiver/dealer.


flatgate

[Pot-Bellied Stallion]

Thanks, flatgate, I'll give that a try.

[turk762]

My uncle bought one, and the serial # is 11***, I would assume it is a true red eagle? Nice shooter, very accurate. What is the value of these guns? this is the first I have heard of them.