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Colt SAA 1st gen. Value

KnifecollectorKnifecollector Member Posts: 3,267 ✭✭✭
edited July 2010 in Ask the Experts
I'm looking at a civilan SAA 1st generation, serial # in the 76,000 range, 44-40 cal, has factory letter, has been professionally reblued 52 years ago. The lettering, dates, etc are still sharp, has a turn line on the cylinder, and a little bluing loss at the end of the barrel. Whats a rough estimate on value, I see Blue Book 10% @ 5k. Would a reblued specimen bring anywhere near that? Half of that?
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Comments

  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The serial number places it in 1882, which makes it desirable as an antique blackpowder model. What's the barrel length? Is the side of the barrel marked "Frontier Six Shooter"? Do all of the numbers match? What type of grips? Are they numbered on the inside to match the gun?

    There are many variables regarding Colt SAA's that it's difficult to evaluate on your description so pictures would really help.
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  • KnifecollectorKnifecollector Member Posts: 3,267 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Barrel length is 4 3/4", Barrel is not marked six shooter, all numbers do match, has 1 piece wood grips. It is a sweet gun outside of the reblue. I'll get some pictures up.
    DSC_0001.jpg
    DSC_0005.jpg
    DSC_0003.jpg
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Standard grips for that serial number were hard rubber with the rampant colt and eagle but those walnut stocks could have been special order. They look like a good fit and should be numbered in the stock groove to match the gun. Still, it looks like a decent Colt. Due to the refinish job, collector value is diminished but being a pre-1898 helps. Personally, I would want to buy it in the $1,800-$2,000 range.

    Bear in mind that it is BLACK POWDER ONLY!
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't want to sound like a gun snob. But older Winchesters and Colt single actions are 2 of the most collected Firearms . With this said a reblued Colt is zero % finish even if done yesterday. Your pistol Has very little COLLECTOR VALUE but still has SHOOTER value for the SASS guys. Now if it is a TURNBULL "RESTORED" pistol it will have a much higher value but Doug Turnbull does reCASECOLOR and restores all markings but he charges big $$$ for his service. I would guess your pistol is $750.00 + or - $250.00 depends on who and how bad they want it. If it had not been reblued $1000.00 minimum
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    I don't want to sound like a gun snob. But older Winchesters and Colt single actions are 2 of the most collected Firearms . With this said a reblued Colt is zero % finish even if done yesterday. Your pistol Has very little COLLECTOR VALUE but still has SHOOTER value for the SASS guys. Now if it is a TURNBULL "RESTORED" pistol it will have a much higher value but Doug Turnbull does reCASECOLOR and restores all markings but he charges big $$$ for his service. I would guess your pistol is $750.00 + or - $250.00 depends on who and how bad they want it. If it had not been reblued $1000.00 minimum


    Even though it's been reblued, a lot of guys would still pay good money for a nice antique (no FFL required) Colt SAA .44-40 with matching numbers, 4 3/4" barrel and factory letter. If it had not been refinished, it would be in the $5,000 range.
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  • rhmc24rhmc24 Member Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Professionally reblued 50 years ago usually meant heavily buffed, screw holes cratered and sharp edges rounded -- all of which appear to be present on this gun. Hard to be sure from the photo but barrel looks somewhere between standard 4 3/4" and 5 1/2" lengths, measured from front of cylinder - meaning barrel looks to have been shortened. Even so it would probably bring $12-1500 here in OK.

    A lot of people care nothing for 'collector value' - just want a gun like grandpa probably carried.
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rhmc24
    Professionally reblued 50 years ago usually meant heavily buffed, screw holes cratered and sharp edges rounded -- all of which appear to be present on this gun. Hard to be sure from the photo but barrel looks somewhere between standard 4 3/4" and 5 1/2" lengths, measured from front of cylinder - meaning barrel looks to have been shortened. Even so it would probably bring $12-1500 here in OK.

    A lot of people care nothing for 'collector value' - just want a gun like grandpa probably carried.


    I'm assuming the letter states 4 3/4" barrel which is what I based my opinion on. I agree with your opinion if the barrel has been shortened but I think it may just be the angle of the picture.
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  • KnifecollectorKnifecollector Member Posts: 3,267 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I did not purchase this Colt. I decided the asking price was a little too high for what we were looking at. That being said, if anyone has any of these in similiar condition for $500- $750 please let me know.
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