[charleslee]

After collecting for 7 yrs., nothing compared to most of you, I believe I really lucked out! At a mom/pop's sporting goods store I just layed away what I think is a 1902 (looks like the 1902) Colt Military Model .38 in LNIB cond., or at least exc. cond., for $2500.00! I've made friends w/ the wife (mom) & today was picking up a couple of Winchesters that I had on layaway when she mentioned that they had an old handgun which was the most expensive gun they had in the place. She went on to tell me that they had it for yrs. and never showed it to anyone. I asked to see it and it was an old Colt Military Model, .38 w/ box, manual, bruashes, box, some .38 rds even! Looks in brand new cond. She didn't think it had ever been fired. Looks that way to me. I didn't know the value but figured it was at least worth $2500.00, so I asked if I could lay it away and she said sure. Said her husband wouldn't take less than $2500.00. As I was leaving, I asked if it might be more and she said she'd tell her husband to not sell it for more than that. Guess I'll be going to the bank Monday! What do you guys think? I saw a refinished one on GB or GunsAmerica for $4500.00! Thanks for your help!

[Old Fuff]

What do you guys think?

I think we could be more helpful if we had a serial number, and what the markings on each side of the slide are. Good pictures would be frosting on the cake. ;)

[charleslee]

The serial # is 43186, sir. Don't want to
Bother the lady having her take it out to take pictures. If you look at pictures of a 1902, that's what it looks like. Thank you for any insight you can give me. Sorry I can't give you any more useful info.

[Old Fuff]

Well the Model 1902 was made from 1902 to 1929, with approximately 18,000 in total being made. The serial number series is convoluted, but the pistol in question was made in or about 1920.

While the pistol is not rare, one in "Like new in box with papers and accessories) would be. Since they are so seldom encountered in this condition it is impossible to place an exact, current value on one. However if sold through one of the better auction houses (not Gunbroker or ArmsAmerica) I would expect it to go anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000. The "right" collector might pay more.

[Onmilo]

If you know your Colt finishes, you know all the levers, pins, trigger and hammer will be a clear charcoal fired blue color and the frame and slide will be a blacker oil quenched hot blue.
If it looks right, buy the darned thing!