Help - 1872 Colt SAA - What's It Worth?

[Siaharok]

Hi folks.

This is my great-grandfather's Colt. I could use the money right about now. I've been told by a local gun dealer that it might be worth $1500, but I don't really trust him. Any thoughts on what it's worth?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

This gun is in poor condition -- rusted, the nickle plating worn off, replacement grips (but obviously old replacements) and missing the ejector rod housing. On the plus side, you have family history (if you can document it), the 19th century holster, and it is a US-issue gun (which means the plating is not factory plating.)

If you go to www.gunsamerica.com, you can see what sellers are asking for other Colts of this period. A quick look tells me that this gun, in the condition it's in, isn't likely to bring more than $2,000, and probably less than that. I'd say the $1,500 estimate is probably pretty close to the mark.

 

[.38 Special]

I'm no SAA expert, but my understanding is they did not become available until 1873.

 

[Harve Curry]

You have mixed serial numbers which is not uncommon with U.S. marked SAA's. Arsenals of the time would disassemble revolvers putting all the hands in one bin, frames, trigger guards, etc., in their own bins, then reaasemble not worried about mixing serial numbers.
Serial number 12691 on the frame and 12700 on the trigger guard are both within production year 1875.
The dates you are looking at are patent dates, not the model or year of the firearm. There was such a thing as 1872 models but those were open top frames, a different model.
You have a 1873 model Colt, P model , Single Action Army, 7 1/2" barrel. It is missing screws, ejector rod & housing, and has homemade grips that are not well done. Looks like traces of nickle that was not standard for a US marked SAA. So it might have been done later.
The holster ressembles a US flapped holster but the latch in your photo is not clear, doesn't look right. If it was an original gov't issue holster that adds to it's worth.
I like Colts and if you want to contact me by PM.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

You are correct -- the OP is apparently relying on the latest patent date shown on the frame, 1872. The 1872 Colt was an open-top, similar to a percussion revolver.

 

[2RCO]

The martial markings (U.S.) should help the value as well as the fact you have what a appears to be a period holster. Without the U.S. marking I'd tell you to take the $1500 and run.

Hopefully someone who knows more about U.S. marked guns will be around shortly.

 

[.38 Special]

Without knowing the internal state of the gun, do you folks think it can be salvaged by someplace like Peacemaker Specialists, or is this a wall hanger? Under any circumstances, I understand it would be black powder only...

 

[rcmodel]

I'd say the $1,500 estimate is probably pretty close to the mark.

+1

Vern covered it real well.

Missing parts
Missing screws
Mismatched serial numbers on the frame & grip
Plow bolt cylinder pin & grip screw
Re-finished the wrong color & all that plating is worn off again.

On the other hand, some people like original old holsters and old ivory grips, even with a plow-bolt grip screw!

I'd say if you truly want to sell your grandfathers gun, take the $1,500 and don't look back.

On the other hand, don't be whining 20 years from now because you sold your grandfathers old Colt, and you always wished you hadn't.

rc

 

[Vern Humphrey]

There are basically three choices here:

1. Keep the gun as is. It's your great-grandfather's Colt, and you can't get another one if you sell it.

2. Sell it. If you need the money.

3. Try to have someone fix it up to be a shooter. That will probably cost close to the actual monetary value of the gun, and will badly hurt its value as a collectors item.

I'd go with number 1.

 

[Harve Curry]

RCmodel & Hawk45,
Those are not pearl grips , they're wood with what appears to be a wood screw holding the other side on. No estusion holding the off side grip panel. Either way U.S. grips were were one piece oil stained walnut.

Look close at the holster for a stamp mark of the arsenal/maker that made it and a US on the flap.

On closer look at the whole right side of the revolver the frame hole is cracked out and missing where it would recieve the ejector rod housing. It would be quite a bit if money to restore. A outfit like Turnbull would be the one to do it. Also the parts are hard to find, an original Bullseye ejector rod , housing, screw, and spring, also trigger bolt screw. Italian made parts/copies could be done at a fraction of the cost but that would just allow you to use and enjoy the piece as it was made to function.

 

[hhb]

I wouldn't take the $1500 too quickly. Lot's of if's. I think the Texas rangers issued these to every company, and there is a record of serial numbers issued. If this is the one serial number some Texas millionaire needs to close the gap in his collection, it will be worth more, regardless of condition.

 

[Siaharok]

Many thanks for all the replies.

To clarify, I don't think the local dealer was actually offering $1500. He was just offering an opinion.

As for the sentimental value of the gun,it doesn't mean much to me. I'd rather have the money. Or, if I were going to honor my great-grandfather, I think he would prefer that I buy a firearm that actually works, like a Ruger Vaquero.

What's the best way to go about selling something like this?

 

[Harve Curry]

What's the best way to go about selling something like this?

Look at www.antiqueguns.com and search and ask over there. Key words like Colt , cavalry , U.S. . There's other inspector marks that should be on your revolver. These would help authenticate that it was a US issue weapon. Once you determine that see what a US cavalry Colt SAA actually sells for today in several conditions. Send photos to Turnbull and ask them for a price quote to restore. You will also need a Letter from Colt authenticating your serial numbers(s). Then do the math of restoration vs selling in it's present condition. A restored anique Colt SAA still won't be worth what one that didn't need restoration. It's hard to tell from just pictures other important details of your Colt. Family history is important to, authenticating where it came from .
Hope this helps.