Colt Detective Special ... fair market value

[jad0110]

I know a gentleman who is looking at a Colt Detective Special that is apparently in it's original box in excellent, unused condition. The S/N is B490xx, if that helps. I don't have any other information than this at the moment, but I'm working on getting some more details. I am trying to find out some additional info. I know the 2" barrel and 38 Spl is the most common, but I'd like to confirm that with him. I'd also like to find out what generation/series it comes from, but some of you may be able to tell anyway by the S/N.

Given this info, what would be a fair price for a gun like this in today's market?

 

[Jim K]

That gun was made in 1971 or 1972 (below B49001 is 1971). It is called the second issue.

If absolutely new in the box, value (retail) could go over $700, but there were a lot of them and anything less than perfect takes a value drop. Even a 95% gun will bring only about $375, a 70% about $200.

Jim

 

[jad0110]

Yeah, mid $400s seems to about the norm in my area for L-NIB Colt Detective Specials in my area. Thank you for the info!

 

[doc540]

"Even a 95% gun will bring only about $375, a 70% about $200"

At that price I'll buy three of those tonight if you can direct me to them.

 

[KyJim]

A 95% DS here would go for $500. Local market is everything.

 

[lanternlad1]

I've seen collector's prices average around $700 here, (Houston) even though book price says $450.

 

[evan price]

If Gunbroker is any indication, Dick's Specials in 70% go for over $450 routinely. Odd, considering they were made for many many years and there is no shortage.

 

[doc540]

"Even a 95% gun will bring only about $375, a 70% about $200"

still waiting here with cash

 

[hinton03]

Recently paid $800 for my unfired 2nd issue DS.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would be quite comfortable with a $450 price for one that is 95%+. I believe they are selling for more now based on my show visits.

 

[bhp9mm]

id like to no wear u find them for $200 i have never seen one for less then $300 and up if u can tell us wear to get them for that id get me 5 or so