value of colt 87 to 1902

[bonneville]

Hi there. does anyone know what my colt 38 is worth.
Automatic colt calibre 38 rimless smokeless Patented Apr 20 1897 Sept 9 1902
colts patent fire arms MFG CO
HARTFORD. CONN U.S.A

21537

any idea what this ones worth.

thanks a bunch....

 

[Jim Watson]

SN 21537 is shown at Coltautos.com as a 1903 Pocket Hammer .38 made in 1907. That is the most common version but is still worth a good deal if in good condition. Dollar value depends entirely on condition and originality. What is the condition of the blue, the bore, the grips, the magazine?

 

[bonneville]

Thanks Jim for the responce. I sent a picture along with this update, the bore is an really good condition, the blue is about 50-60 percent blue, the magazine is in good condition and the grips are in good condition.

 

[Jim Watson]

Best I can offer is to look on gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com
There are some for sale there and you can watch the auctions and see what they end up selling for. All I saw were in higher finish than yours but you can get an idea.

 

[Jim K]

The finish that is there is all original, but there is not enough of it. Your 50-60% estimate seems about right, and I would put the value at around $500-600. I make the date 1908.

Just caution, but to disassemble, push in the recoil spring plug from the front before removing the slide lock (key); trying to drive out the slide lock will harm the gun. Also, be sure the key is in place before firing; if it isn't, the slide comes back in the shooter's face. (JMB obviously didn't worry much about lawyers!)

Needless to say, .38 ACP loads only - no .38 Super!

Jim

 

[TooTech]

If you could give us an EXHAUSTIVE description of the gun's condition it would be a big help. And pictures are worth a 1000 words.

Ooops! Just saw the picture you added to the other thread.