An original 1911 Military Colt in 80 to 90 percent condition can easily can run into several thousands of dollars. There are a number of factors involved. Condition, originality of all parts ( Grips, barrels,, magazine, everything ). Just having the wrong grips can drastically reduce the value. The same is true of WWII 1911's, plus the added factor of who manufactured it. ( WWII 1911's were made by Remington Rand, Colt, Ithaca, USS, and Singer ), Singer only made 500 1911's, I have seen one sell for 14,000 dollars. To top off the problems in values, there are the fakes, a few re-cuts of the serial number, a couple of phony markings, and a 700 dollar gun is now a 3000 dollar gun. Fakes are now very common in WWI and WWII era 1911s. Now, the experts can spot the counterfeited guns , but the novice can't until it is too late. My advise to you ( and my advise is only worth what you are paying for it ) is to do your homework before you buy, for starters go to Culvers Shooting Page and start reading all the back post on the 1911 forum, there are some real, big name , experts on that forum incling John Holbrook who specializes in Navy 1911's, It has really gotten to the point in military 1911's " buyer beware "