1974 Colt MK IV 70 series

[Garth]

First off I like to thank anyone who can point me in the right direction to a possible value.

My friends father died and left a beautiful Colt Govt MK IV 70 series, serial number 70G61953. For what I can tell from my research (and I apologies upfront for not having photos) it's a all original 1974 1911. The firearms blue book says the weapon in NIB condition was about a grand and on gunbroker.com it appeared that similar guns sold for anywhere from 500 to a few thousand but those are not made in 1974. I know the previous owner was a a avid gun collector and the pistol looks amazing. I don't believe the original packaging is still around. We where hoping it would fetch a grand to help with funeral cost but does anyone have any knowledge about this weapon?

[alleydude]

Garth,

First, welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a great gun there. 1911's are probably one of the most diverse segments of the gun collector market because so many variables apply (which is why I have ducked putting them in the price guide thus far). This is also the reason why I am going to play dumb and refer you to the real experts at the 1911 Forum:

http://forums.1911forum.com/

I would recommend getting some good, close-up pictures of the gun including every stamp or mark on the gun. These little things can make a big difference in many circumstances so leave nothing out. The guys on the 1911 Forum can really give you a better idea.

With that said, I would really LOVE to see some pictures myself.

And again,

Good luck!

[streetcar]

I too, have a 1974 Mk4 series 70 in bright nickel finish, which is very rare
in that model. I bought it new in 1975 and have kept it in very good condition.
This model gun, I am told, always sells for $ 1000.00 or more, in very good condition.
In pristine, unfired condition, has been priced at around $2500.00
I'm trying to get a price nailed down for my rare nickel finished model.