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Colt 1848 Army Dragoon
JT Custom Guns
Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
I recently aquired a Colt 1848 Army (Dragoon) that was mfg. in 1851 according to the s/n: 115xx
The gun is stamped US on the left side of the frame, so I assume it was a govt. contract gun.
I would say the gun is in approx. 30-40% condition (NRA fine) but no rust, pitting or other issues. The gun is all numbers matching except the loading rod, which has a s/n: 1435, so I assume it was a Colt replacement, and not an aftermarket piece.
Can someone tell me the approx. (Real) value of this pistol?
According to current Blue book of GV (pg .542) the value of an 30% gun is between 15-17,500.00
The gun is stamped US on the left side of the frame, so I assume it was a govt. contract gun.
I would say the gun is in approx. 30-40% condition (NRA fine) but no rust, pitting or other issues. The gun is all numbers matching except the loading rod, which has a s/n: 1435, so I assume it was a Colt replacement, and not an aftermarket piece.
Can someone tell me the approx. (Real) value of this pistol?
According to current Blue book of GV (pg .542) the value of an 30% gun is between 15-17,500.00
Comments
Perhaps look on the auction side to see examples of good helpful pictures. You could also search for current ones for sale or use the advanced search for completed auction for actual selling prices.
The Blue Book of Gun Values has a decent explanation of % grading and pictures to correspond.
That's a 3rd Model Dragoon. Is the cylinder battle scene clear? I can't tell.
My take on Flayderman's condition standards, is that it would grade out as Very Good at best, not Fine. Considering this, you should have a very experienced Colt collector do a hands on. Considering it has been at the very least "Cleaned". There might be other inconsistencies, only a hands on from a knowledgeable collector or dealer might reveal.
quote:Originally posted by JT Custom Guns
That's a 3rd Model Dragoon. Is the cylinder battle scene clear? I can't tell.
There is no scene left on the cylinder.
Did all US contract dragoons have scenes?
At the very least your Colt looks like it has been "Cleaned". Not in the condition a original Colt of that vintage, would be found in.
My take on Flayderman's condition standards, is that it would grade out as Very Good at best, not Fine. Considering this, you should have a very experienced Colt collector do a hands on. Considering it has been at the very least "Cleaned". There might be other inconsistencies, only a hands on from a knowledgeable collector or dealer might reveal.
Thank you!
I appreciate the advise, but finding a qualified expert here in NJ is not so easy.......
quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
quote:Originally posted by JT Custom Guns
That's a 3rd Model Dragoon. Is the cylinder battle scene clear? I can't tell.
There is no scene left on the cylinder.
Did all US contract dragoons have scenes?
Yes, a Texas Rangers battle scene like the engraving plate below.
There is no evidence of any scene on the cyl. but the s/n is still clearly visible...............
Your latest picture shows that you have the skill & the camera to take high quality close-ups. If you take at least 10 more photos, including some of the gun disassembled, you can probably get free opinions (for what they are worth) both here or on other forums. (You might want to use more fill lighting, & resize to 800x600.)
The Blue Book value you quoted was for a gun in far better condition than yours. Note that Steve Fjestad advises to assign the % of original finish; yours has ZERO original finish, plus metal removal by rust/abrasives.
Neal