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Colt New Service 38/40 need info.

petrella90petrella90 Member Posts: 57 ✭✭
edited November 2003 in Ask the Experts
I have a Colt New Service 38/40 in great shape, was hopeing someone could tell me a little bit about it, when made, how many made, value.
Its in GREAT shape. serial #579XX with an E below. it has three patent dates on the barrel Aug 5, 1884, June 5, 1900, July 4, 1905.
on the left side above the trigger guard is an upside down triangle. same side above and to the left a bit of the grip is a horse on rear legs with 2 arrows. on the right side of the pistol to the rear of the trigger guard is a star. Black grips with COLT stamped on the top of them. any infomation would be great. Thanks.
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Comments

  • HerschelHerschel Member Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    According to Colt's Dates of Manufacture by R. L. Wilson, the New Service serial numbers only went as high as 356000.

    I am assuming that XX stands for two digits of the sn.

    The New Service was produced from 1898 until 1944.

    The value would depend on condition more than on any other factor. Condition is generally expressed in the percentage of original finish remaining.
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  • petrella90petrella90 Member Posts: 57 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd say its 95 percentage.
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  • RancheroPaulRancheroPaul Member Posts: 1,459 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    With a Serial Number of 579XX, it would have been produced in late 1912. The Serial Numbers for the guns made in 1913 began with 58000.

    Regarding Value, at a 95% figure that you describe, according to the Blue Book of Gun Values, it would be "estimated" at $1,175.00. If it has a 4 inch barrel, (which is scarce) it would be more depending on the potential buyer's need to own the gun. The Blue Book is only a Guide as Regional differences make prices go up and down considerably in some areas. However, if this is a "Commercial" gun, these figures would be about right. It would be better to see some pictures, but this will give you an estimate of value, anyway!

    NOTE TO HERSCHEL: You may have mis-counted the number of digits, as 57,900 is much less than 356,000 you are mentioning.........

    I Miss The World I Grew Up In!
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  • HerschelHerschel Member Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    RancheroPaul, You are correct. I miscounted the digits.

    No excuse for that, I could have counted them on one hand. :)
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  • RancheroPaulRancheroPaul Member Posts: 1,459 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Herschel: No Big Deal.....I always do that when I wear gloves.....but I don't have to take off my shoes.....in most cases.....Hahahahaha!!!

    I Miss The World I Grew Up In!
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  • Desert Stud-MuffinDesert Stud-Muffin Member Posts: 6 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Petrella90,

    The .38-40 is also one of the finest calibers ever developed. For my money, far better than .44-40 and I wish someone made a good quality double action pistol in that caliber today.

    Desert Stud-Muffin
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