Value of a SA Colt .45LC?

[gvnwst]

Recently a friend of mine's husband passed away, and left behind a few firearms. One is a SA colt revolver, and she would like to sell it.

The serial # is 151284, if someone knows how to track with that...













Anybody know how much this is worth? As you can see, the right side grip panel is missing. Due to the (extremely) fancy engraving, i am lead to believe that this is some special edition or something, but i don't know anything colt, unless it is semi automatic....

If i left anything out, just tell me.

 

[rcmodel]

Not exactly sure what you have.
But, the serial number is not in accordance with the Colt serial numbering system for a SAA revolver of that vintage.

It appears to be a John Wayne commerative of some sort.
Perhaps one of these?
http://www.seizedpropertyauctions.com/viewitem.neo?item=68972

Or these?
http://www.millermilitaria.com/collectables/militaria/rcolt.htm

Colt did make a couple versions of a John Wayne commerative SAA, but they didn't look like that.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/c...tive .45 colt&cm_ite=netcon&rid=0180101070502

If it is a non-firing replica, or even a non-Colt real gun, the missing grip would devalue it considerably.
Sorry I can't be of more help.

rcmodel

 

[gvnwst]

Well, the first one looks identical, (there is the same pic on the handgrip along with everyting else) but i am pretty sure this thing was meant to be fired. It is fully functioning, but i have no clue if the guy actually fired it...

Thanks anyhow.

 

[Jim Watson]

Looks like the Franklin Mint fake gun to me.
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=16843
$695 is WAY too much for a dummy.

The serial number would be from 1893 if a Colt, for which the gun's design is wrong in several respects. An ad on ebay says it is the number of John Wayne's own gun.

 

[gvnwst]

That's it. How much is it worth? I mean, the feed gate spring is not there (if there was one to start with) and half the handle is gone....

 

[Jim K]

What other markings are on it? I suspect none.

I agree that it is a fake gun, made as a non-firing replica. Value? Maybe $100 or so as a novelty.

If in doubt, try inserting a .45 Colt cartridge in the cylinder. A fake gun should not accept a live round. But don't try to fire it! Those guns were made from cast alloy (the "engraving" is cast in) and would blow to pieces if fired.

Jim

 

[gvnwst]

No, the john wayne on the back of the handle, and a upper case "D" on the left side of the frame. That replica o the above links ahd the same stuff though...

 

[dwforsci]

I can spot three things that make me believe it is not a Franklin Mint replica. 1. The firing pin is a full length style found on real Colts; the Franklin has been chopped. 2' The cylinders a open; Franklins have been plugged. Several areas of the engraving appear deeper and of better quality than the Franklin Mint copies. As to exactly what it is, I don't know. I don't recall Colt issueing any copies of the origional museum piece.

 

[Jim K]

The problem with the engraving is that real engraving of that quality and coverage would cost a small fortune. The fake "serial" number would indicate to me that the "engraving" is cast in (it looks to be) and the gun is made from something other than high quality steel.

So, was it intended to be fired? I don't know. Could it safely be fired? Same answer.

Jim