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Colt SAA Evaluation

sosftim
I have a Colt SAA that I would like to have evaluated.
I am in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.
Any info or local referrals would be appreciated.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • RancheroPaul
    First of all, if all you're looking for is a "ball park" estimate of value and such info as "when was it made," you can post a serial number of the gun, (Use X's for the last couple of numbers), and post your best estimate of the guns condition in a percentage. Has it been fired? Does it have the original box and paperwork, and anything else you think is pertinent......barrel length, etc.

    From this information, I can give you an "estimate" of its value. However, Regional markets, collector interest in your gun, scarce or rare features, all will make a considerable "range" of value. If you want the "value for insurance purposes" then you will want to value it about 25% more because it may be difficult to "replace" it.

    The final option would be to go to a reputable Gun Shop and they will tell you what they think "Wholesale Value" and also "Retail Value" would be. They are generally fairly knowledgeable in the market area.
    Or,a Gun Show where you may meet with a Colt Collector or Dealer and he can help you. Good Luck

    I Miss The World I Grew Up In!
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  • sosftim
    OK, thanks for the info.
    The serial No. is 156xxx
    Here's a link to some photos, better than me trying to describe it.
    http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/yungnold/album?.dir=/606d
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  • RancheroPaul
    Very Nice! The Colt SAA in Serial Number Ranging from 130,000 to 165,000, is referred to as a "Late Black Powder SAA." At the beginning of this edition of these guns, the "three line patent date format" was changed to a simpler "two line" format. This series also began sporting the "circled rampant colt" stamped on the left side of the frame immediately above the trigger. This range of numbers was manufactured from 1890 to 1896. I would venture a guess that your gun was made in early 1895.

    I will give you some figures here as an "estimate" of value. Market history on these has made a "Blue Book" value for a gun in 100% condition as being $22,000. If in 98% it would be worth about $19,000. If in 95% the value begins to go down much quicker and would be about $15,000. A 90% Gun is valued at $11,000, and an 80% gun has a value of about $9,000. These values are BEFORE we apply any "adders" or deductions. Here is a list of those, as suggested by the "Blue Book."

    Subtract 20% for Nickel Finish
    Add 25% for Original Box
    Add 10% for 4-3/4 inch barrel
    Add 20% for one piece wood grips or for "eagle grips."

    There is no mention of the Ivory Steerhead gips being available in this series, but that doesn't mean they weren't. I just don't have that information. If those are real Ivory Steer Head Grips from the Colt Factory, then I would think there would be some sort of value for them, but it might be a negotiable item to a ready willing and able buyer.

    If you found a set of these grips at a gun show or an auction or for sale anywhere, I would think they would be priced from about $250 to $400 or more........my opinion, and not based on any first hand knowledge of a sale of similar grips. There are some other features which would serve to help "verify" this as a correct gun. If it was my gun, I would definitely contact the Colt Historical Department, and pay their fee to get a "Factory Letter" on this gun. The cost of the letter would be easily added to the value of the gun if it is completely authentic.

    I hope this information helps to answer your questions. That is one fine looking COLT!!!!!!
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  • sosftim
    WOW! I had no idea...
    Thank you very much!
    I was thinking maybe $1500-2000 before the deductions and such.
    Those grips are definitely not ivory. They appear to me to be plastic. Personally, I think any wood or ivory grips would do much more justice to the gun but that's what's there and I will probably leave them.
    The medallion on the grips has the word "Franzite" and the picture is an eagle.
    The patent dates are on 2 lines.
    The serial numbers (3) all match.
    I have been getting bits and pieces about the condition of the gun from some friends and acquaintances and the major points are that it appears to have been re-nickeled sometime or possibly nickeled over the original finish; the grips; and the screw in front of the trigger guard seems to be non-original as the original would probably have been recessed.
    Thank you very much for all the info. I really appreciate it!
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  • RancheroPaul
    You are Very Welcome!

    The points that you mention are the reason you should get a "Factory Letter" from Colt! Also, changes have a way of detracting from value of such a gun. You might want to take it to a local Gun Store and have them look it over and give you a value. It is extremely difficult to be completely accurate with an assessment of a gun if you don't have it "in hand!" Such a gun would deserve a real "look" to determine its actual value.

    If those are "Franzite" grips, they are worth less than $25 but such a gun would deserve to have some "originals" purchased for it...... my 2 cents worth...... Enjoy it! Good Luck!


    I Miss The World I Grew Up In!
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  • rhmc24
    Franzite grips were being sold in the 1930s. I bought a 'pearl' pair. They were of an early plastic that was not as stable as plastic grips today. On a gun stored in a hot attic, they shrunk up some.
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  • Xracer
    With a Colt of this potential value, you very definitely want to get a Colt factory letter! http://www.colt.com/CMCI/historical.asp

    Also, they might suggest a referral to get a "hands on" evaluation by a Colt expert in your area.
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