value of a colt 1911

I have come across a pistol which is a 1911 Colt National Match with a serial number 17xxxnm. The condition of the pistol I would say to be good. Can anyone give me an idea of the value?

The National Match predated the Gold Cup National Match. The National Matches were truly handfit. They were a match ready wad pistol out of the box. Value would depend upon condition so much that even a ball park figure could not be given. If original and no major flaws at least $1000.00 but condition is everything.

Thank you for your response. I had planned on using it for a ball gun.

mikeb wrote:Thank you for your response. I had planned on using it for a ball gun.

 Doesn't the NM have a lightened slide?
If it does you may want to reconsider the ball ammo route due to added wear&tear of your wrist or slide damage.

Not a gunsmith, just an observer

Ball ammo is fine unless you are firing it with a softer recoil spring.  As long as your recoil spring matches your ammo, it's all good.

Yes the National Matches did have a lightened slide. This was to ensure reliability with the less powerful wad loads.
 That being said IIRC it was Bob Day that said he used a National Match for .22 (with a conversion), CF, .45 and Ball gun.
 I would go up to an 18 lb. spring and see if it was reliable with ball loads. Also the Gold Cup / National matches were famous for losing the pivot pin out of the rear sight. Keep an eye on it to ensure it does not work out of the slide.