32 Colt value and gunsmith info request

hiker62

October 14, 2011 10:03

My father in law showed me an old automatic 32 cal. rimless Colt. he discovered in his basement.
Serial #43854 Marked: Patent date APR 20 1887 Dec 22 1903
The trigger mechanism is missing. The slide works fine so I'm sure the spring is fine.
Our questions are: Can you tell us the actual age and value as is and is it worth restoring?
If so, where could we obtain parts or quality gunsmith?

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  Herschel

  October 14, 2011 10:51

  hiker62, Without good clear photos showing the amount of the original finish remaining on the gun it is not possible to offer a valid opinion as to whether it is worth restoring. A sticky at the top of the forum explains how to post photos. Parts for the gun are probably available from gunparts corp. Replacing parts is some pretty basic gunsmithing so most any professional gunsmith should be able to obtain and install the parts. Also, a gunsmith should be able to determine exactly how many parts are missing. Without knowing where you are located it will be hard to recommend a local gunsmith. Getting a local gunsmith will be a simpler process than having the expense of shipping a gun to a distant gunsmith.

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  Spider7115

  October 14, 2011 11:23

  Are you sure the patent date isn't 1897 and not 1887? It sounds like a Colt Hammerless Model 1903. If so, it was manufactured in 1906.

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  Mgderf

  October 14, 2011 16:37

  quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
  Are you sure the patent date isn't 1897 and not 1887? It sounds like a Colt Hammerless Model 1903. If so, it was manufactured in 1906.
  
  
  My guess as well.
  If it is a Hammerless .32, I think you can find schematics and parts lists for it on MidwayUSA.com
  
  I found grips for one on the auction side here just about a year ago.

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