Colt 38 Super 1947
I have a Colt Govt. model #401xx I have been told that it was made in 1947. This came to me from my uncle's estate. He was in WWII. I don't think this was "US" as it has no markings for military. It is in 95+ condition. Fixed sights, fine finish except top of bbl. is a flat finish. I need a value for ins. Can anyone help? Thanks
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We are unable to help without photos:
http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294
Neal0 -
A .38 Super in that serial number range was indeed made in 1947.
So Unk did not carry it in WWII, not to mention that the US Army did not issue .38 Supers. Supposedly some of the spook agencies like OSS and early CIA did, so you could make up stories about him spying in postwar Europe and Occupied Germany.
Blue Book says a 95% postwar Super is "worth" $1400 which should be adequate for insurance purposes.
Or you could look on the auction side and see what they were selling for... if one has changed hands at all recently.0 -
The Blue Book of Gun Values says Super .38 Automatic Pistol with serial numbers below approx. 37,000 are pre-war. That should place yours in the late 1940's time period.
Price listed in the 30th edition of the Blue Book (2009)
for a 95% item is $1,600.00.
Please consider that Blue Book prices are only a guide and the one I quoted is based on 2008 data. Also consider that judging percentage of finish is very subjective. As Neal said photos are needed.0 -
1947 is correct for that SN. Agree with others that pictures would help assess value. However, prices for Colt 38 Supers are fairly high now. I'm seeing modified (e.g. non-original sights or other parts) 1970s and newer at less than 95% condition offered at gun shows in the $1500+ range. And the same period guns actually in 95% original condition in the same price range by folks who actually want to sell them. A 1947 version in 95% condition is likely in the $2000-$2500 range. Pre War examples are most in demand with a 95% pre WWII in the $3-$5k range and up if with original box and papers. One from 1931 recently sold on the auction side for $3450 without the correct mainspring housing. I wouldn't put much faith in the Blue Book for pricing these. As someone else suggested, look at the "sold" side on the GB auction site and compare with the finish on yours for comparison of condition and recent sold prices. 0 -
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Well that didn't work. I tried to post pics. I think I failed to "copy the URL" Don't know what the heck the URL is. Nononsense will have to help me a little more. I have the pics on imageshack and got them here, but don't know what went wrong. Help!!! Thanks litetrigger 0 -
That is a very nice Super .38.
The collectors know all sorts of trivia about these early post war guns as the manufacturers were shifting from miltary back to commercial production. Lots of parts intended for army contracts got polished up and sold retail. Not .38 barrels etc, but small parts.
Do you have a safe?
I would put secure storage above insurance.
If it were stolen $2000 insurance money would not replace Unk's gun.0
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