1902 Colt .38 Rimless Smokeless Value ??

[nickymiller]

I have a 1902 Colt Automatic in .38 caliber. One of your members suggested I use you as a resource for valuing these old guns. This one is in good shape for its age. Most of the blue is there. It is marked Patented Apr 29 1897 Sept 9 1902, Automatic Colt, .28 Rimless Smokeless, Colts Pt F. A Mfg Co, Hartford CT USA. It has the rampant colt. The magazine is marked Cal 38 Colt.

 

[Old Fuff]

The 1902 was made in three styles, Military, Sporting and Pocket - and the one you have is the latter. What you describe is selling in the range of $800 to $1,200. You didn't specify the internal condition of the barrel, which could make a difference.

 

[nickymiller]

I don't know a lot about guns. I am selling my late husband's collection. Looking through the barrel, it needs cleaning, but it appears smooth with what I believe is rifling showing It has been hanging on the wall of a vault for 20+ years.

 

[Old Fuff]

Post the serial number (located on the left side above the trigger guard) but use the letter "x" in place of the last two numerals and I'll see if I can date the exact year it was made. The barrel will probably clean out, but if possible you should have someone do that before you try and sell it.

 

[nickymiller]

J451xx

 

[Old Fuff]

I read that number as J (the letter J) and the number 451xx. Please look again, as there shouldn't be any letter prefix. The number 451xx (no letter) was made in 1922, and the general appearence of the pistol in the picture confirms this is probably the case.

 

[nickymiller]

It appears to be a letter J. The four almost looks like the broad arrow mark you see on some Webleys. I tried to get a better picture, but it won't come up clearly. It is a puzzle. Could it be some sort of armory mark?

 

[Old Fuff]

I am reasonably sure it isn't part of the original Colt serial number, but this is speculation. The pistol could have been sold in England, but if so there would be a lot more proof marks then just one. It might be something that a previous owner added - again speculation.

If you have a collection, I would suggest that you contact an insurance agency in your area, and ask for referrals to recognized professional appraisers with a specialty in collectable firearms. They could probably give you better information then I can, because they can examine each piece in the collection. They might even make arrangements or suggestions on how you might best dispose of the collection as a single unit.

 

[nickymiller]

Thank you for all your help. I appreciate your taking the time to answer.

 

[Old Fuff]

If I can be of additional help please come back, or reach me through a PM (personal message) that is a feature on this forum. The problem is that I can't give you much more information about your particular gun without examining it. The mark you mentioned might be meaningless, or it might substantially increase the value of the gun if it was identified. I could speculate, but speculation is often counterproductive. In any case I will stand by the values I posted, and the pistol is obviously valuable.

Edited to add: Since today is a holiday many of our knowledgeable members are out doing something else. On another day you may get posts with additional information.

 

[nickymiller]

I have listed this pistol on gunbroker.com. I will amend the listing should anyone have additional information that would help it sell. Thanks to everyone.