Nickel 1902 Colt Sporting Model

[mountaincat]

Hello,
I am new to this bit I was seeking some advice re: this pistol.
It is a nickel finished 1902 Colt 38 semi auto, I have seen referred as "long slide".
Serial number #9129, thus from what I read as a 1906 production unit. The lettering is fairly clear and the nickel shows some where. What I read tells me the nickel plated were few, how can one tell if this is originally plated or has been plated post-production?
The handles seem to be in reasonably good condition and the bore looks good IMHO.
All info would be greatly appreciated. I would like to sell since I am a shooter and I really would hate to ruin this pistol.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Only thing I can suggest is to be careful to keep bore cleaners, including Hoppes, away from the nickle. The nickle finish is usually applied over a layer of copper or brass, and the bore cleaners will dissolve that material, causing the nickle to flake off. Just wipe it down with ordinary gun oil.

 

[rcmodel]

Look for good sharp slide markings, flat flats on the slide & frame, and no rounded edges anywhere.

Here is a website with good pictures to see what it should look like.

http://www.coltautos.com/1902sci_6807.htm

http://www.coltautos.com/1902sci_8825.htm

rc

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I'd suggest that you contact Colt, and see what they can tell you.

It may cost you a little for the information -- as a company historian may charge for a history document. If it's an originally plated-by-Colt gun, you can have them RE DO the nickel finish. They'll give you a letter specifying that they did the original and secondary work, and it will be almost as good as having the original finish to collectors.

Colt redoing the finish, if they originally did it, could increase the value more than the cost, and give you a gun that's easier to sell - or retain as a long-term investment.