COLT Collecting
How do you all feel about snapping up good quality affordable Colts like the First Issue of Police Positives in 32 and 38 Also other affordable Colts since the high end collectibles seem to be increasing in value, does it make sense to find Colts that would tale along in value with them? I am referring to Colts from 1900 to 1950. I realize that original boxes, papers, and provenace, matter a great deal. Condition goes without even mentioning it.
Soooo, what do you all think about this type of strategy? Is it better to buy one collectible Colt for, let's say $2000, or a few good others for less money[?]
Soooo, what do you all think about this type of strategy? Is it better to buy one collectible Colt for, let's say $2000, or a few good others for less money[?]
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Colt made thousands if not millions of those Police Positives. They are really only collector items if they are in pristine condition and with original boxes. I usually see them go for under $300 most of the time. If you are really going to be a collector then stick to the tried & true Colt collectible guns-the SAA's, 1911's and Pythons.
If your plan is just to have a nice collection with representations of various Colts then there is nothing wrong about doing the way you are thinking but if you are looking for resale value and not fun guns to shoot then go with the guns collectors want. The Police Positives and the like will never attain the price levels that the others will. Of course they are cheaper than buying a Python so you could start out on the lower scale and work up to the high end. You also would take less of a hit on some PP than if you bought some SAA that you thought was a correct gun and turns out to bea mismatch etc. Gets you some experience.0 -
Thanks I agree that it only makes sense to buy that which is in the finest condition considering the age of the item. I look for all the good conditions, fine bluing, good action, etc. I do buy without original boxes hoping to find them later, of course, without the SN written on the box. If there is one offered w/ original box, or provenance, I go for it. Just missed an orignal box on ebay for my Woodsman..
The other issue is closet queens. What sense does it make to buy a closet queen when one can only "show it off". I suppose I could buy a few for "investment purposes" like I have done in art, but at least I can hang paintings and display sculptures and art glass, but a nice old Bisely? Mount in a shadow box and hang it on the den wall? Stuff it in a safe ?
I have done very well in in art and antiques, but at my age, I can't wait another 30 years for appreciation in investment. I am skeptical about those who say the lower end of the Colts won't appreciate along with the higher end ones. I feel the really good ones will tail along with the upper end ones...I could be wrong of couse.
I agree to only buy the best available...I only trust Colt, Browning & Browning FN, also Smith & Wesson. Don't know enough about the others.0 -
It would be too hard for me to be a collector of the high end stuff because I personally don't and won't own guns that would never see range time. The high end collectors get so picky over turn lines, rebluing, correct stocks etc and that is just too tedius for me. I do have one old Colt .38 and I shoot it. Doesn't matter to me if it only has 85% of the blue left because it was my grandfathers and I enjoy shooting it. A Colt collector would pass it by as a bargain basement gun. But the same age range as my Colt from the 1920's and it be a Single Action Army would bring triple or more what my double action Army Special would. I have seen some good deals on Series 70 Colt 1911's around here that would be good investments and can still take some light range time now and then while still holding their value. 0 -
If you go Colt collecting, their two most collectable guns, other than the Walker's, are the SAA, and Python. The Anaconda, and Diamondback's, are not far behind. The early PRISTINE 1911's, and 1911A1's are collectable, but did not/have not appreciated as much.
The other name brand in firearms collecting, is Winchester. If you get a couple nice SAA's in 32-20, 38-40, or 44-40, it might pay also to get the 1873, or 1892 Winchester's to match. Then there is also the 1885's, and 1894's.
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get the diamond backs,anaconda,& king cobras before they get out of range price wise 0 -
I have watched and been there since the 1930s (I'm 88) when a good Colt SAA or WWI 1911 went for $5. What people say about condition and preferred collectibles, SAAs & Pythons is true. I have watched the "unpopular" Colts become popular. Bisleys, perc Conversions and others have come from behind to equal SAAs & original Civil War percs. My conclusion is, any Colt, S&W, even some H&Rs that date from before mid 1900s is a good investment, earlier the better, condition of max importance. No hard fast rules, and some fine tuning helps, but if it's hi-condition, priced right and out of production I'd buy it. 0 -
I'll offer an additional Colt option for collecting for appreciation; the pre WWII Colt 38 Supers. I'll also offer a counter point to the appreciation issue. Many of the folks I see buying the old Colts and Smiths (and Winchesters) are in their 50s and 60s or older. There are exceptions of course, but most of the people willing to pay premiums for these guns are the older guys. Will the 30 somethings and the next generation be willing to pay ever higher prices? Will they value these items in the way we older guys do? Maybe, maybe not. And if they don't, the market demand may not be what we hope it will. Couldn't agree more with tsr1965, those SAAs and Winchester 1892s in the same caliber make great pairings. Buy em, shoot em, enjoy em; if they increase in value, great. 0 -
What everyone has left out of consideration are the 2nd generation Colt percussion revolvers. Since they were originally issued from 1971 to around 1981, the prices for unfired examples has more than doubled from their original prices. And, from what I see on several on-line sites, most of these are still affordable.
This is quite apart from most "commemorative" guns from so-called historical organizations that don't command prices even near their original sale prices.0 -
Thank you all for very helpful suggestions. I have normally found that when the high end of collectibles become the prizes for the wealthy, then the related items are not usually far behind. I will note the models you all have recommended and thank you for your expertise.
I am also targeting, no pun intended, Browning and Smith & Wesson I look for good bluing, good metal, good mechanics,and matching SN's. If I can get provenance, or a original box...whooo hooo... I want shooters not closet queens. I am not in this to earn money but to enjoy what I buy and NOT have it depreciate.
I earn enough money in other ways which is why I can afford to collect now. I am in this for they enjoyment and the learning expeience and not the $$$$$$$$$$
Thanks again to all0 -
If you are indeed serious about collecting firearms, there are two thing you absolutely must do:
1. Start collecting books about firearms. The first book should be the current copy of Flayderman's. Actually read it from cover to cover instead of just looking at the various guns. Use his bibliography as a guide to your book buying. Studying guns will keep you from "being took" in a gun deal.
2. Make friends with a reliable honest dealer who has a reputation for integrity. They can be instrumental in teaching you about guns, but also in making additions to your collection. Remember there are more private sales of collectable guns than at gunshows. The names of John Gangel, Herb Glass, Jr., Vinnie Caponi and Robin Rapley come to mind0 -
I have to agree on collecting guns that you can shoot. Actualy you can shoot any gun that is safe to shoot. Some just choose not to. There is an old adage on collecting anything. Collect what you like. Something to be said for that. 0 -
I agree with Steg. Read, Read and read about what you want to start collecting.Find a reputable dealer or expert you can trust, and start from there. 0
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