60-70 year old .38 special walnut Colt grips?

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1TwistedGimp

1TwistedGimp

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Hope I'm posting in the right place.

My grandpa died back in the 90's, I received a box of stuff nobody else wanted.
Among other things in the box was a set of old Colt revolver grips, I can't post pictures but would be willing to email them to someone who can...

They look exactly like the set on the op of the sticky "Identity and Date of Manufacture of Colt Revolvers" with the exception of the squared bottom. These are rounded instead of squared. They appear to be in near perfect condition, grip screw looks brand new, Colt insignia is perfect...

I know he was a policeman before and after WWII, and I've heard stories about his .38. I also have a couple holsters (I found the grips stuffed in one of them) that seem to support the .38 stories.

What, if anything, would this stuff be worth? I was thinking maybe 5-10 $ per holster and ? For the grips.

I have no use for this stuff and probably never will, i'd like to see it go to someone someone who does.

One holster is for a 4" barrel and the other is for a 5" barrel.
He hadn't carried a gun since the late 60's or early 70's so I know this stuff is from before that but have no idea what a fair price is for it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1TG
 
If you have the photos in digital format so you can email them, then you can post them here.

Hit the "Reply" button, go to "manage attachments," and then when the little window opens, "Choose File," then "Upload." You can upload two at a time and they'll appear at the bottom of your post.
 
Nearest thing I can find is that they are off a colt detective special .38 gen 2-3.
Or maybe a police positive special, the holster impression measures out to be a 4" barrel.
What do you guys think?

1TG
 
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^ agree.

They look like they are for a short grip frame "Third Issue" Detective Special which means 1966 to 1973. They are in good shape and will fetch a pretty penny from the right buyer. I would think $100.00 or a bit north of that if factory authentic. That means taking time to find the buyer that needs them. Knock a few bucks off for quicker sale.

See http://www.coltfever.com/Detective_Special.html.

The holsters while not as nice a score will still fetch a bit more that you think. Not a lot more, and they are for a different gun with a 4" barrel.
 
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rswartsell,

Thank you for responding, I had no idea they would command such a high price.

Any thoughts on how to put them in the hands of someone who would really appreciate them? I don't care about the money really, i'd give em up for less than half of what they're worth to get them out to someone that really needs them. I believe my grandpa would approve of that.

These grips are near perfect and definitely factory produced.

Now, what do I do with them?

1TG
 
The best "marketplace" for finding the right guy would probably be The Colt Forum,
http://www.coltforum.com/.

You would have to become a member and I believe there is a minimum number of posts before you can post a "for Sale" ad. The obvious answer is e-bay, ask the $ 100.00 and wait for a bite.

I wouldn't be shy about that price, Colt DA Revolvers and their parts are escalating rapidly in price and more rare and desirable grips in this condition are going for a good deal more than $ 100.00. That price may be your only tool to see them into the needing and appreciative hands you seek. What's really unusual about yours are their excellent condition, the pencil numbering on the inside surface of the panels supports factory authentic.

You could also try Gunbroker, http://www.gunbroker.com/. My Detective Special is a "Fifth Issue" otherwise I'd be all over them even as a spare set. Maybe let's wait a bit and see who else shows up to this thread.
 
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rswartsell,

Thanks again for the info.

I think i'll wait to see if anyone on this forum has any interest, they've been sitting in a box in my closet for almost 20 years so what's a few more weeks.

This forum has helped me in so many ways, i'd love it if I could pass them on to someone here for a price they couldn't possibly get anywhere else. :D

1TG
 
I can't tell from your photographs, but it possible the holsters might fit a Police Positive Special, which was identical in most respects to the Detective Special/Cobra .38 revolvers except for a longer 4-inch barrel. The demand for such holsters is limited, but since they generally are not made anymore if someone is looking it's a sellers market.

Keep them handy, and if you happen to come across a Police Positive Special in a retailer's used gun showcase, or at a gun show, you can check the fit. Don't expect big bucks, but at the same time don't give them away or throw them out.
 
Old Fluff,

I am almost sure that he had a police positive special 4". The impression left in the tan holster measures exactly 4" from muzzle to cylinders.

If these things could just talk...

Hopefully I can find someone who can put this stuff to good use.

1TG
 
Those grips will also fit a 2.5" Diamondback...and those grips would be worth a pretty penny for a guy with a snub diamondback with the wrong grips.
 
Thank you silicosys4,
I was unaware of that.
Is there a specific range of years of Diamondback they'll fit?

I'm thinking of listing them in the for sale section here on THR for maybe half what they're worth to try to put them in the hands of a forum member.
If nobody here wants them then I'll try for the full value on ebay.

1TG
 
They will fit any Diamondback but I don't believe were ever original equipment for one. The Diamondback grips were square butt. They would be worth more to a Colt Detective Special or Cobra owner circa '66-'73.
 
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