Value of Colt Detective Special 4th Series?

[OregonJohnny]

I was browsing gunbroker and saw a NIB electroless-nickel Colt Detective Special with the 2" shrouded barrel and rubber grips going for about $1,700! I'm curious about the values of the "4th series" Colt Detective Specials, because my dad bought one for my mom that she still keeps loaded and accessible in their bedroom. It's a 2" shrouded barrel version with the medallion-insert rubber grips and what is either a chrome plated or nickel finish. He bought it brand-new sometime between 1993 or 1995, but can't remember exactly. It has had a total of about 50 rounds through it.

How can I tell if it's the electroless-nickel or chrome plated finish? Since it's in nearly brand-new condition, should it be retired for collector's value or is it not worth enough to worry about? Just curious as to a general value so I can pass the info along to my parents. Thanks!

 

[Old Fuff]

Electroless nickel was an uncommon finish on Detctive Special's so maybe a collector might pay to get a NIB example, but $1,700 seems way out of line to me. In any case don't confuse it with nickel plated revolvers which were much more common. The revolver you described that your Mother has is more likely valued in the $400 to $450 ballpark. So far as a "gun to use," it is concerned, it is fully equal to the electroless nickel variant.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Nickel plating (electroplated nickel) is highly polished. Electroless nickel has a "matte" and slightly roughened appearance. The "Starvel" finish found on some of the old Star Firestars is an electroless nickel, as is Robar NP3 (in combination with Teflon).

I did not know until recently that electroless nickel was ever available on Colt revolvers. I saw a Trooper MK III (I think) in .22 Mag. caliber with that finish, and remember thinking, "Crud, somebody refinished it." :banghead:

 

[Ala Dan]

Colt called the electroless nickel, "Coltguard"; as appeared on the Trooper
MK-V series~!

 

[Frizzman]

If you are willing to pay $1,700 for one I have one NIB and will gladly sell it for that much!!! Actually, that price is awfully high. I bought the one I have last year and it is new, unfired with box and all that came from the factory including the warranty card for $500. I don't consider that a real bargain but was in line considering the condition. It is a nice revolver.

 

[panther22]

There are alot of auctions of Gunbroker that are very unrealistic in price. Some folks put a really high price on something, hoping for that impulse buyer who bids first, then looks up real world value.