Colt Commander

[Bscott]

I just came into a Colt Commander Automatic Pistol .45 with a Packmayr Combat Special System on it - all original. It was purchased back in 1972 and is in perfect condition. Any idea of its value? A ball park would be good for insurance purposes. I have a few other pistols but this the first Colt.

Another question: Does Colt Archive Properties do values on guns or give you an appraisal? TIA

Bob

 

[Jim Watson]

The easy one first, Colt does not appraise your gun. They tell you what its original configuration was and where and when it was shipped.

A Pachmayr Combat Special is worth a lot of money, how did you "come into" this one?

 

[Bscott]

Collateral. What do you mean by a lot of money? I was told it might be worth $50,000. I have a Browning Herstal Belgique 9MM that was my brothers that I inherited equipped with Packmayr grip only I think. I have no idea what that is worth either. I am not a gun person.

 

[BADSBSNF81]

I've never seen a 50K Commander.

My best estimate is you might be in the 2.5-4K range.

 

[Bscott]

Thanks for the info. I didn't think it was worth that much. Other opinions are welcome. Thanks.

 

[Oro]

For insurance that is a good ballpark. Last one I saw sell was around $2500; you might google around a bit and find some on offer.

1972? Did they go back that far? Bob Liebenburg, who built many of them, is still active in FL somewhere. They may authenticate it/value it etc. for you.

 

[Bscott]

Thanks. On closer look. It is engraved on the gun Colt's Combat Commander. Then it is engraved Packmayer Combat Special. I thought it had added Packmayr on it but looks like a pistol made by Colt and Packmayr. Any ideas or worth more? TIA

 

[Jim Watson]

If it is marked "Packmayer" it is a fake.
The name is Pachmayr.

Lookit, Pachmayr was originally a gun store and gunsmithing shop in Los Angeles, run by the Pachmayr family.
You have a Colt gun that was modified by gunsmiths at Pachmayr (or Packmayer.)
The Combat Special was their most distinctive package, although the Signature system was more expensive at the time.

The last Combat Special I saw change hands was $2600.

 

[Bscott]

Thanks for the info. I typo'd adding the - e in Packmayr. I was skeptical that it was worth over $50,000 and appreciate all your thoughts and opinions. Thanks again. I think I will reseach my other pistols. My brother passed away leaving us 3 pistols and they have sat in a safe all these years until this Packmayr Colt came up.

 

[hso]

The BHP value will depend upon the model. You can look them up by serial number. The Pachmayer grips are probably just grips. There are a lot of variables, serial number series, condition, etc., that establish value.

 

[rmfnla]

I'd go back to the person who told you it might be worth $50K and offer it to them for $25K...

 

[Arkansas Paul]

How about some pics?