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Colt 380 Nickel?

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tracer

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Joined
Dec 28, 2002
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167
Location
DFW ,Texas
I have an older Colt 380 that I am trying to identify.It seems to be Nickel,as it retains a sort of gold patina.I have been unable to verify that.Blue and stainless models are common but I have yet to see another like this.Anyone have any insight about ths?
Thanks
tracer
 
I had an all steel factory nickel Mustang I sold about 6 mos. ago. Looking in my Blue Book it says Government model .380's came with nickel finish starting in 1985 with Mustangs being available in 1986. I currently have an all blue Mustang Pocketlite. According to my Blue Book the bright nickel guns are valued at slightly higher than other finished .380's. In reality IMO the stainless Mustang Pocketlite is most sought after as it's a pocket gun more resistant to rust.
 
Back when I managed a gun store from '88-'90, we had some nickel .380 Gov'ts and Mustangs come through. They weren't remarkably uncommon.
 
If it is the even earlier 1908 hammerless they are fairly common in nickle, about 15% of the civilian production was in nickle.
 
To determine the exact model - - -

Does the pistol have (1)a button type magazine catch, or (2)a heel clip type?
Does it have (1)an exposed hammer, or (2) a smooth-backed slide, concealing the hammer?

If the answers are both (1) you have the more modern type Colt .380, a "Government Model" (NOT to be confused with the 1911 service pistols,) a Mustang, or a Pocket Lite, depending on barrel length, magazine capacity, and frame material.

If the answers are both (2) you have the classic Colt Pocket Model, what is currently called the Model 1908. It was discontinued after some production during World War II.

Both types are desirable, with a nickled 1908 being rather more valuable.

Best,
Johnny
 
Old Colt
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New Colt
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