Colt 1st generation???

[knockonit]

OK boys, need some help here got a unit that has a serial # of 3575## of a Colt single action army revolver in 38 spl., 5.5'' barrel, blue.
SO just wondering what and where or how I can find out the value of this guy. One fella told me its worth a bunch another says its worth only the value of a 3rd generation, so you can guess my problem.
Want to value it for insurance if it is a biggun.
appreciate any info or direction to go with this.
regards rj in sunny arizona, its a dry heat, ya know

 

[2RCO]

1940 Guns started with 357,000

If those last two Numbers are SA it's a post war gun.
If the last two are NF it's a 1962 Gun.

 

[knockonit]

colt

the last two numbers are numbers with no sa behind it, finding it very confusing to locate info on this.
rj

 

[GunNut]

It's a gun built in 1940, probably one of the last pre-war SAA's made.

Is it in original condition or has it been refinished? Makes a huge difference in values.

Might want to check out www.coltforum.com

Steve

 

[knockonit]

colt

It has only been fired at factory and is in like new shape with a small mark on the cylinder where it has been turned by some idiot.
No box or papers, it appears to be as new, incredible shape.
rj

 

[knockonit]

colt

STill looking for info, waiting to be logged in on a couple other forums to gleen some info.
thanks to all., this is an odd one.
rj

 

[deadin]

Well this one carries a lot of "if's".
IF the serial is as you say,
IF it is truely in 38 S&W Special,
IF it is unfired condition,
and IF everything is completely original as it left the factory circa 1940,

You've got one of a production run of 25 guns and the value would easily be in the five figure range.

 

[GunNut]

You also need to spend the $100 and get a factory letter from Colt. It will tell you the year of production, where it was shipped and what caliber and barrel length it had.

It is well worth the money and will only add to the value of the gun.

 

[knockonit]

colt

It is as stated, can't find anyother number on it other than on frame, only mark is someone turned the cylinder and left the telltale sign,
So you ask Colt for information in regards to unit?
It is as depicted, one fella told me it was a lunchbox gun since it only had the numbers on frame and nothing else, well we'll just see what happens.
Will send a request and a c note for th info.
rj

 

[deadin]

No other numbers or marks anywhere? I believe the frame should be numbered in addition to the butt. How about roll marks on the barrel, patent dates on the left side of the frame just ahead of the trigger, etc. If missing any of these I'm afraid you have either a heavily refinished gun, an outright fake/reproduction, or, as said before, a lunch-box special.

How about some pictures??

 

[GunNut]

You really need to take pictures and post them here.

It would be very easy to tell if the gun has been refinished or if it is in original condition.

The difference between a 60% factory original gun and a 100% refinished gun is huge. We're talking $1,500 for a refinished gun to well over $10K for an original gun.

 

[knockonit]

Colt

The original owner finally contacted me after weeks of trying to get him,
He read me the letter in regards this from Colt dated 8/97
This particular unit was shipped to
C.H. Coles, Museum Curator
Colt's Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Company
Hartford, Connecticut
shipped date is june 24, 1955

they verified it is a .38 special, with 5.5 '' barrel , blue

So still not sure where this goes.
The serial number says its a first generation, so???

 

[GunNut]

Probably left over parts that were finally put together and shipped.

I'd get the letter from the original owner as it is part of what makes the gun valuable.

 

[deadin]

The serial number says its a first generation, so???

If the grip frame is the only place the serial number shows up, it says that the grip frame is 1st generation.

Seeing as how it was shipped to the Colt Museum in 1955, there is the possibility that it could be a prototype or machine room sample for the post-war 2nd generation SAA. (IIRC they came out in 1956.)
This could also explain the lack of other markings. (The grip frame could be one that was left over from before the war.)

You really need that letter and try to nail down if it is a prototype or not.
If you can authenticate it, I have no idea what it would be worth to an advanced Colt SAA collector.

 

[knockonit]

colt

THe ole boy is gonna mail me the letter, oughta be here in a few days, and i will borrow a camera and take some pics and try and post them.
thanks for all the help and info.
rj

 

[2RCO]

Please do Knock. You might have yourself a little Gem! I'd probably want a new factory letter if I was you. I have seen a few phony factory letters.

If it was shipped to the Museum you do have a gem!

Raleigh

 

[deadin]

If it was shipped to the Museum you do have a gem!

As long as it left the Museum legally.

 

[deadin]

Duplicate

 

[2RCO]

As long as it left the Museum legally.

Valid -- but they have had many sell offs over the years so I wouldn't be super concerned.