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1st gen Colt SAA US Custer Era Questions
Knifecollector
Member Posts: 3,270 ✭✭✭
I have located what I believe to be an authentic SAA 1st generation US marked with a serial # in the Custer range. 58XX to be exact, and correct inspectors marks. The problem is with the barrel, it has been sawed off at 5". I was wondering how much it hurts the value of the gun in question. All the numbers match on the gun so I assume to alteration was not done by Colt. I'm outta my area of expertise on this firearm but am seriously considering purchase of said firearm. Lets say the gun has a solid 20% original finish remaining what would be a rough estimate of value? I see in the blue book gun list for $20,000 at 20% and add 15% for serial # range. Are these prices realistic or just crazy talk? Could I figure the guns collector value is half due to the barrel? Any thoughts?
Comments
Best
Little attempt was made to match up s/n's of barrels and frames but some have been found with matching numbers.
This is the type of gun that a potential buyer should approach with a lot of caution. I wouldn't even attempt to give anyone buy no buy guidance without a ton of high quality pictures, and even at that judging authenticity of a Colt like this by the use of photos is dicey; a hands on inspection by someone extremely knowledgeable about these guns is a must in my opinion. Good luck, be careful with advice provided by non experts (I'm certainly no expert on US issue guns)!
If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!
Good luck. I hope it is genuine, and you can get it for a good price. Be prepared to pay well into 5 figures if it is a genuine Custer era item.
None of the Colts that were USED at the Little Big Horn were returned to the U.S. Army by the Indian's however the whole 7Th Cav was not there . so it could have very well been a 7th Cav pistol.
How exciting! Sounds very intriging that hogleg you're typeing about. Be warned the Custer serial number ranges also went out to 9th and 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers) if my memory serves me correctly. I agree, no .45s of record from the battle were altered into Artilary Models. There were however known surviving specimens that were at the battle (at least one). Could it have been shortened later, sure. Can you proove it? Doubtful. It sure is neat to sit there and wonder what could have been though isn't it!
Shoot Straight and Watch For Snakes,
ColtDoctor
20k I don't know about but I will say it's worth what the market will bear...I'm always happy to evaluate and authenticate your Single Actions. I provide a letter on fine stock suitable for framing and certianly enhancing the value of your Hog Leg. I also provide a letter with estimated insurance value for replacement. Yes, Ray will be sorely missed. I have fond memories of our Colt conversations.
oldwestcolts@hotmail.com
ColtDoctor