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OLD COLT 45 REVOLVER---VALUE???

trkjr1967
I recently discovered this gun while cleaning out an attic.....I am trying to find out information on it and whats its value may be....any help appreciated...

It is a Colt 45 Revolver...serial number is 144151. it was with other stuff from 1892 in the same box....SO I assume it was made in 1892...just a guess.....

Any information as to its origin and value would be appreciated. Thanks Tim
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Floyd58523
    Please post a picture or pictures if possible.

    Thank you
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  • Old-Colts
    It would be early 1892. If it is with other items from 1892, that could be a very nice find.

    We need in focus high resolution pictures to give you any reasonable assessment of originality and value. As to origin, A Colt Archive letter will document its original configuration, when it shipped from Colt, and where it was shipped. An Archive letter cost $100 with a delivery time of 90-120 days; unless you want the information the same day and that will cost $150.
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    To get any kind of reply.....You'll have to Post a Complete and totally Comprehensive discription...or Post a Photo of this 45 Revolver....Best....
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  • trkjr1967
    Updated Information

    I have found out this is a....

    Nickel Colt 45
    Model 1873 pre-war
    Serial #144151

    Will try to get pics up soon
    Thanks Tim
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  • trkjr1967
    Ok here are the Pics....

    Serial number on the bottom of the gun is the same as the trigger area and inside the handle under the grips....
    Serial # 144151

    The side of the gun says

    PAT SEPT 10 1871.
    JULY 2 72. JAN 19 73.

    Picture338.jpg

    Picture339.jpg

    Picture337.jpg

    Nickel Colt 45
    Model 1873 pre-war
    Serial #144151
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  • Spider7115
    Actually, the final patent date is Jan 19 75, not 73. Colt Single Action Army manufactured in 1892. It was made to fire blackpowder ONLY so don't try to fire modern smokeless loads in it! It would be worth getting a letter to confirm barrel length and finish as well as when and where it was shipped. Nice find!

    By the way, what is the barrel length from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel and does it have an ejector on the side of the barrel? I can't tell by your pics. What are the markings on top of the barrel and are they one line or two?
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  • USN_Airdale
    i notice a line on the hammer that indicates it was stored with the hammer all the way forward, that 3945 number stamped on the cylinder may indicate the cylinder was replaced at one time, BUT, i was told that may not always be true for the older revolvers.

    i wish there were attics in my family that i could rummage thru.
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  • nmyers
    You did ask for the value, so..........

    There must have been a big hole in the roof for many years for the gun to get that badly rusted & pitted. That was probably before Bubba had his way with it. I would not fire it under any circumstances, with any powder. It is strictly a decorator, beyond any restoration effort. I would expect it to bring $200-400. The grips alone would be worth nearly that much if Bubba hadn't drilled holes through them for the stove bolt.

    Neal
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  • Fatstrat
    quote:Originally posted by nmyers
    You did ask for the value, so..........

    There must have been a big hole in the roof for many years for the gun to get that badly rusted & pitted. That was probably before Bubba had his way with it. I would not fire it under any circumstances, with any powder. It is strictly a decorator, beyond any restoration effort. I would expect it to bring $200-400. The grips alone would be worth nearly that much if Bubba hadn't drilled holes through them for the stove bolt.

    Neal

    I'm no expert on Colts, but have been very interested in this thread. I'm GREENw/envy and wish I could make a find like that.
    You gotta be kinding? $200.-$400.? If I had EVER seen a complete anywhere near functional 1800's vintage Colt SA for that price, I would've bought it. But I don't have any.
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  • Old-Colts
    Your gun is in very rough shape and appears to have been exposed to the elements!! The ejector rod and housing are missing from what I see in the picture taken of the bottom of the gun. The cylinder typically would not be numbered in this serial number range, so based on the fact that the cylinder is numbered and it doesn't match the last 4 digits of the serial number of the gun, it has been replaced at some time. This would suggest that other parts have been replaced, perhaps the barrel! The cylinder base pin has been pretty badly mangled with pliers and the base pin retaining screw appears to be missing. From what I can tell it appears that the grips may fit the gun, so they are possibly original to the gun. Without a picture of the side profile of both sides of the gun showing the front sight, measured barrel length, top of the barrel and hammer spur, and all markings we still can't accurately judge your Single Action.

    No attempt should ever be made to shoot this Colt!!!!

    The thread will lock shortly after the 10th post, so if you take additional picture you will need to start a continuation thread and perhaps then we will be able to give you a complete assessment of your Colt.
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