Rarer Than The Singer?! "JSB" Colt 1911A1 | Walk-In Wednesday

Published on March 12, 2021
Duration: 9:56

This video details the rare 'JSB' inspector marked Colt 1911A1, potentially rarer than the highly sought-after Singer 1911. The JSB mark signifies inspection by John S. Begley, the last inspector at Colt during the end of WWII. The video discusses the estimated production numbers, serial number ranges, and the confusing market information surrounding these firearms, highlighting their rarity due to limited known examples and their potential origin from government surplus auctions.

Quick Summary

The JSB Colt 1911A1 is considered disputedly rarer than the famous Singer 1911 due to fewer known examples. Inspected by John S. Begley, the last WWII Colt inspector, an estimated 1,800-2,000 were produced. Many were not stamped or were sold as surplus, making authenticated JSB examples highly sought after by collectors.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction: Walk-In Wednesday
  2. 00:19The Rarity of the JSB Colt 1911A1
  3. 00:31Singer 1911 vs. JSB 1911
  4. 01:33What JSB Stands For: John S. Begley
  5. 01:58JSB Serial Number Range and Production Estimates
  6. 02:27Comparing Known Numbers: Singer vs. JSB
  7. 03:03Why JSB Guns Are So Rare
  8. 03:20Mistake #2: Government Auctions
  9. 04:04This Gun's Origin: CMP Auction
  10. 04:25Estimated Value of JSB Colts
  11. 05:22Close Look at the JSB Colt 1911A1
  12. 05:42The JSB Inspector Mark
  13. 06:03Condition and Finish
  14. 06:20Grips and Magazine
  15. 06:56The Barrel: Blued with 'C' in a Box
  16. 08:10Slide Numbering and Originality
  17. 08:52Conclusion: Rarer Than a Singer?
  18. 09:15The Hunt for More JSB Colts
  19. 09:37Lessons Learned: Never Stop Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the JSB Colt 1911A1 so rare?

The JSB Colt 1911A1 is considered exceptionally rare because it was inspected by John S. Begley, the final inspector at Colt during the end of WWII. It's estimated only 1,800 to 2,000 were inspected, and many may not have received the inspector's stamp, making known examples scarce.

How does the JSB Colt 1911A1 compare in rarity to the Singer 1911?

While the Singer 1911 is a highly prized collector's item, the JSB Colt 1911A1 is arguably rarer. Despite more Singers being produced, fewer JSB-marked examples are known to collectors, making them a more elusive find in the 1911 collecting world.

What is the significance of the JSB inspector mark on a Colt 1911A1?

The JSB mark signifies that the pistol was inspected by John S. Begley, the last inspector at the Colt factory at the close of World War II. This mark is crucial for identifying these rare variants and adds significant historical and collector value to the firearm.

Can JSB Colt 1911A1s be found in government surplus auctions?

Yes, some JSB-marked Colt 1911A1s have surfaced from government surplus auctions, notably in 2020 through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). These auctions can be a source for these rare firearms, though they were initially underestimated by many collectors.

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