Colt SAA question
I picked up a first generation Colt SAA, serial number 180540, 7 1/2" barrel, one piece wood grips, in 45 Colt. Barrel has one line address, all numbers match. Condition is very nice, bluing is really good, light turn line, minor wear on cylinder, barrel is very good with shine at muzzle. The bore is perfect. The case color is pretty much faded and gone.
This Colt was manufactured in late 1898, according to what I've found, and is a smokeless powder frame.
This gun is a consignment. My question is, does the Colt warrant a factory letter?
I'm going to list it on the auction side, when I get time and weather to take good pictures. Quite honestly, this is one of the nicest old Colts I've ever had in my hand. What do you old Colt guys think?
Thank you for your time.
W.D.
This Colt was manufactured in late 1898, according to what I've found, and is a smokeless powder frame.
This gun is a consignment. My question is, does the Colt warrant a factory letter?
I'm going to list it on the auction side, when I get time and weather to take good pictures. Quite honestly, this is one of the nicest old Colts I've ever had in my hand. What do you old Colt guys think?
Thank you for your time.
W.D.
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I just found the right up close picture and figured it out.[:D] 0 -
I assume your SAA serial number is above 355200 when the .357 was first introduced in 1935.
Value as a package would be in the eye of the beholder. If you have a genuine 1st Generation .357 magnum, it would be a desirable collector's piece. However, 2nd and 3rd Generation .357's are slow sellers and not eagerly sought after by collectors as is the more popular .45. Nonetheless, someone might like to have similar calibers of all generations but I would think that market would be limited.0 -
The 357 even though produced in very limited numbers for the 1st generation, was not a so called real desired round(or Colt would have produced more of them).
The only value that it might increase, is the value of the package, so yes, it might. Even though the most sought after chamberings in the 1st generations is the 45 Colt, and the 44-40 W.C.F.
Best0 -
Be aware that there were many first gen replacement barrels and cylinders sold in 357 mag. Unless you have a factory letter there is no way to prove it is original. With that said there are LOST records on many pistols in the 355XXX range. I have a first gen in 38 special that can not get letter. [:(] so value is 50% of one that will letter 0 -
Colt rebuilt 1st Gen SAA's in the postwar period prior to resumption of production to the 2nd Gen to 38 Spl only.
Barrel markings are in a one line address: COLT'S MFG CO HARTFORD,CT USA
and on LH side, COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL.
The cylinders were unmarked and minus the horse on breech end.
Barrels and cylinders were not serial numbered to the gun.0 -
Thanks for all the advise. I completed the deal, and everything checks out as authentic. The set is complete. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Eddpyatt
Thanks for all the advise. I completed the deal, and everything checks out as authentic. The set is complete.
Good. It's combinations like and similar to this where the lesser desired calibers are concerned that appeal to a serious type of Colt collector with prices that match the more popular ones.
Happy Thanksgiving!0
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