First Colt...couple of questions.
- Thread starter TennJed
- Start date
- Status
This is a hard call. In 1933 the Great Depression was on, and all handgun sales were slow. Extra cost nickel-plated/prarl handled variants were especially slow. We don't know the total number of Detective Special's made between 1933 and 1941 because they were serial numbered in the same series as Colt's very popular Police Positive Special.
1st Issue Detective Specials (meaning pre-war production) in nice shape with the more common blue finish seem to be priced at the better auctions at around $600-$800. Nickeled ones about $100 to $200 more. Gunuine Colt pearl stocks in perfect shape from that era can fetch $300 to $500 and sometimes more.
If the stocks and finish are original to the revolver and documented as such by a factory letter, you can break the $1,000 level - especially if it was special ordered by an individual the value would increase - substantually if they were famous. Because of the various circumstances I have pointed out there is a fair chance of a special order, although some distributors and dealers did order them for stock.
You roll the dice......
1st Issue Detective Specials (meaning pre-war production) in nice shape with the more common blue finish seem to be priced at the better auctions at around $600-$800. Nickeled ones about $100 to $200 more. Gunuine Colt pearl stocks in perfect shape from that era can fetch $300 to $500 and sometimes more.
If the stocks and finish are original to the revolver and documented as such by a factory letter, you can break the $1,000 level - especially if it was special ordered by an individual the value would increase - substantually if they were famous. Because of the various circumstances I have pointed out there is a fair chance of a special order, although some distributors and dealers did order them for stock.
You roll the dice......
Last edited:
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
After looking at the new pics, I'm inclined to agree. I no longer see what appeared to be dished out screw holes. I would probably want to get the factory letter. For curiosity's sake, if nothing else.
SwampWolf
Member
Since the consensus seems to be that the grips in question are, in fact, genuine mother-of-pearl, my suggestion is to take them off and replace them with something more durable before using the revolver much. The grips are beautiful, hard to find and valuable but are notorious for their fragility (even taking them on and off repeatedly has reportedly caused damage to occur). Better safe than sorry.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
A lottery ticket 'may' be in order.
- Status
