A friend of my wife husband passed away last summer. He had quite a few guns stashed away and she asked me to help her sell them. She doesn't have a clue what they are or what they are worth. Most of them are not worth a whole lot, just shooters but I found this gem stashed in the back of one safe. It's new in the box never fired 1911 MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite.According to the serial number it was made in 1995. I really want to buy this gun from her and I am willing to pay her a fair price for it. Looking on Gun Broker there isn't many like it listed and the few that are close to the year and condition are priced very high IMO.
I don't want to pay top dollar and I don't want to take advantage of her so I'm asking the 1911 experts what would be a fair offer? I was thinking $850? What say ye?

Off the top of my head and before I read your own estimate, I was thinking $900. So I think you're pretty close already. $850 is probably reasonable.

That's a nice gun & since it's new with a box, $850 might be a little light as I think it could easily go for $1,000.

But it doesn't have any genuine collectors value nor high demand.

You're getting a good buy at $850, she's not getting screwed too badly, & you are taking it off her hands.

Give her the $850 or $900 if she's happy with it, & sleep well.

MM

While I understand helping out a friend, the gun doesn't do anything for me. A 1995 series 80 will never generate any collector interest, and many will argue that vintage was low tide for Colt. Also the beavertail and grip safety are old school, and the sight cuts in the slide prevent improving the second-rate Eliason sights. Finally, wrap-around Pachmayr's?

The gun probably has a value close to the $850, but not to me. Sorry if I sound like a dick, but I don't know if you're a 1911 guy or not.