38 Colt model & value help please

[generalsdaughter]

I have a 38 Colt automatic pistol which was my Dad's and I am trying to find some information on. Hoping someone can help as to the model number and approximate value.

The gun is blue steel 4” barrel, bobbed hammer, no safety & rounded butt. The slide has rear serrations with the Colt logo behind the serrations.

On the left hand side of the slide it reads:

PATENTED
APR. 20, 1897, SEPT. 9.1902.

COLT’S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO.
HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.

On the right hand side of slide it reads:

AUTMOTATIC COLT
CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS
(the word “calibre” is spelled as shown on the firearm)

The serial number on the right side of the pistol is: 20959

On the trigger guard at the top left hand side there is a small triangle with what appears to be the initials “v” and “p” squashed together. At the bottom of the trigger guard also on the left hand side there is a “T."

 

[Steven Mace]

generalsdaughter, based on your description it sounds like you have a Colt Model 1903 Pocket (Hammer) Automatic Pistol. The Military Model 1902 Automatice Pistol is very similar but the serrations on the slide are near the front and had longer barrels. On the Model 1903 they are towards the rear of the slide like you've described. The Model 1903 Pocket pistol was made from 1903-1929 and the serial number you've provided would indicate yours was made in 1909. All of the Model 1903 Pocket (Hammer) Automatic pistols were chambered in .38 ACP. Barrel length was 4.5" with a blued finish and hard rubber grips. For a point of reference, the following values are listed for the Model 1903 Pocket (Hammer) Automatic Pistol in the Blue Book Of Gun Values - 29th Edition.

100% - $5,000
98% - $4,000
95% - $2,750
90% - $2,000
80% - $1,250
70% - $900
60% - $750

Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

 

[dfariswheel]

To which I'll add a warning:

The Colt .38 ACP IS NOT the .38 Super.
.38 Super ammunition IS NOT SAFE for use in a .38 ACP pistol.

The "Triangle VP" is Colt's "Verified Proof", signifying that it was proof fired.

 

[Old Fuff]

I agree with the above posts, but would add the following:

This pistol may not be safe to shoot with any ammunition

It is held together with a wedge or key, located at the front/side under the barrel. If that key should break there is nothing to stop the slide from coming back and hitting the shooter in the face. Given the age of the pistol, and power of the .38 Colt Automatic cartridge, the possibility of the key breaking is a real one.

Enjoy it as a valuable relic from the past, but its shooting days should be over.

 

[wrogers]

My sister also has a Colt .38 1902 patent. Serial number 11236. But the handles are different. They are not serrated, but has a pearl (or something similar) handle. It is also silver plate and not blue steel. Could you give me an estimate of the value
W Rogers

 

[Old Fuff]

wrogers:

Identifying your pistol could be a problem without a picture because Colt made three different models with the 1902 patent date, and serial numbers are a convoluted mess. For example, The Model 1902 Military Automatic Pistol (which I suspect you may have) started in 1902 at serial No. 15,000 and then went downward (not up) until they reached 11,000 in 1907 – at which point they started a new series of numbers at 30,200 and went upward until the model was discontinued in 1929 at a serial number in the 47,100 range. You may be able to identify it as a Military Model (if that what it is) by the fact that it had a lanyard loop mounted on the bottom/rear corner of the handle on the left side. If my identification is correct – which is questionable – your pistol was made during 1907 or possibly early 1908.

While your pistol could be silver plated, it is more likely nickel plate, and Colt did offer mother-of-pearl grips as an extra-cost option.

If you can post a picture, or possibly identify the pistol by the presence of, or lack of, the lanyard loop, we can then go on. But until it is positively identified I can’t tell you much more.

Value would depend on what it is, and the condition it is in.

 

[wrogers]

Thanks for the quick response. I will check with my sister again and try to get a picturel

 

[wrogers]

Attached is a picture of the pistol. Hope it is sufficient to continue with the approximate value. I have other pictures if needed.

 

[Jim K]

That is the Model 1902 Military, standard production. The early production, and Army contract guns, had the slide checkering at the front of the slide.

That gun with the original grips and the lanyard loop would go for around $ 3500, maybe more. Ordinarily, custom grips detract from value, but if there is some documentary evidence that those grips 1) are ivory, not plastic, 2) are contemporary with the gun, and 3) have some association with the original owner such as his being a cavalry officer (the crossed swords are the cavalry insignia), they could actually enhance the value.

Jim

 

[KVK77TexAg]

Colts .38 Auto trying to determine age and value, please.

It is a Colts .38 automatic, s/n is 11078, has blued finish, some rust and pitting on slide, Pat. date of Sept. 9, 1902, barrel is in excellent condition inside and out, lanyard cord swivel on lower left of butt. Has letters VP inside of an inverted triangle on the left side of trigger guard and also appears to have capital letter L on left side of trigger guard below the trigger and next to the handle. Can supply pics if needed. Thank you.

 

[Jim Watson]

Sure sounds like another 1902 Military. Does it look like the above picture?
Close in number to that gun, also made in 1907. Dollar value depends on condition and originality.

 

[KVK77TexAg]

It is a Military model .38 auto

except it has blued finish and grips appear to be original Colt black checkered grips. Grips are in excellent condition. Hammer is identical shape as one above.

 

[wrogers]

1902 Colt 38 custom handle

Jim Keenan,
The pistol was used by my sister's uncle (husbands side) who was an officer in WWI. I will check with my sister again as to the material used in the handles. In the meantime, any interested buyers?

 

[Iggy]

Don't sell it unless you absolutely have to.. That's a part of your family's history and as such is far more valuable than money.
Find out all you can about the man who carried it. Document it and keep it. Someone in your family will one day find that gun and memories priceless.

 

[wrogers]

1902 Colt 38 custom handle

I have learned that the custom handle grips are made of plastic. I am certain that it will reduce the value, but could you give me another estimated value on this pistol. It belonged to Houston Stephens, her husbands uncle, during WWI.
Thanks again,
Will Rogers

 

[muddbone]

Can anyone tell me if Colt offered these in a Nickel plate? If not, but one has nickel plating, will this take away from the value? If so, how much? Thanks.

 

[Beerme]

if its not the original the it will def drop the value
I agree with everyone to keep it but you seem to have no appreciation for your familys heritage so sell it to someone who will

 

[Old Fuff]

Colt did offer the Pocket Model (hammer) .38 in nickel finish, but relatively few were made. Those that survived in good condition are worth about 50% more then a similar blued example. The problem is that the only way to be sure is to order a factory historical letter. They'll go back and find the original shipping record, but the research and letter will run you around $100 or more. I doubt that any knowledgeable collector will pay out big bucks to buy a nickeled pistol that doesn't come with a letter.

 

[muddbone]

Old Fuff, thanks so much for the info. Just trying to find out some info before i make an investment. Again, thank you.