10mm Delta Elite

[EghtySx]

Im looking to buy a blue 10mm Colt Delta Elite in the next hour or so and had a question or two I was hoping someone maybe could answer for me.

First off is the date on it. Can't find a resource on Colt website. S/N is DE001XX (the Xs are numerals). It has gold lettering and some engraving on it, factory, that the guy selling it says was something they did on the first 500 made.

Second, I guess, whats it worth in 95%? Round figures are fine as I know some aspects are subjective.

Thanking you in advance, Chris

 

[Erich]

It would be a whole lot more helpful if you XXd out the last numerals in the SN.

I'm looking at purchasing DE 09237, for instance, which I'm pretty sure is a first year gun. Which means probably '88 (Colt says they made them from '87 on, but I remember them just starting to come into the gun stores in mid-'88 - and I managed a gun store at the time). I don't recall there being gold numbering on the first ones. The SN of your gun certainly does not appear to be in the first 500 range, unless most of those Xs are zeros. (Are they? )

I'd say there's no real collectability, given that it's only 95%. It's not like these things were rare (even with the goofy variants Colt put out. So, I would say that you're looking at an absolute top value would be $750, a more reasonable value would be $600. Others may disagree.

 

[GaryP]

Erich,

The way I read his post the DELTA ELITE (DE001XX) he is referencing is one of the first 200 Delta Elites. Am I missing something?

I have DE 34xxx which puts mine in the early 1990's as near as I can tell but can't verify for sure because Colt stopped giving serial numbers versus manufacture date information out back in 1978. If they have changed their direction on this I sure would like to get my hands on a current Colt reference list.

 

[EghtySx]

I got it. Here's the thread.

 

[Erich]

Hey, I'm an idiot. Must have been "late afternoon & allergy eyes" because I did not see that "1" in there. Sorry.

Looks like a really nice gun. Gee, and I'd pretty much talked myself OUT of going after that Delta that I'd been considering . . . now I want it again.

 

[firesafety3]

I sold a Delta last year and gave Colt a call and told them the serial number (DS080XX) and the friendly lady on the phone gave me the year of manufacture and took my address and mailed me an owner's manual.

Haven't dealt with Colt directly too often but were very helpful.

 

[Mountain Gunner]

I have considered purchasing a Delta for some time now but I just can't seem to justify it for myself. What advantage does it offer over current 1911 10mm offerings?

 

[Erich]

A prancing pony and neat-o stocks. And a firing pin safety.

Seriously, I'm not convinced there's a whole lot of qualitative difference between the Colts and the DWs (can't remember if Kimber has the 10mm on the market now), but others may disagree.

(Dude! 8 posts only over the last year? You should talk more! )

 

[Mountain Gunner]

Erich,

I know, I know. Life just gets so crazy and my wife gets that look on her face everytime she sees me going towards the computer...It's that same look I get everytime I load the 4 wheel dirve up with guns and dogs

 

[firesafety3]

I must be your brother-in-law!!!! My wife has that same face.

How about the eye roll? That usually just makes me grab another box of ammo and stay out longer!

 

[Nitram68]

I'd like to get a Detla Elite as well, only in stainless. Hope you enjoy it and are happy with the price you paid.