I don't do fantasy pieces.
Grin. Please don't take the following as an assault or an insult.
If you don't do fantasy pieces, why do you dwell on replicas that aren't spec original Colt pistols? I'll wager that it is the best you can do with the money at hand. Originals are rare, big-buck items, usually in poor condition, and you probably would not shoot one without harming it or it coming apart in your hand. The repros are new/fairly new, pretty, and function well, and shootable.
I am in the same financial arena. To wit:
You are collecting Italian copies, with Italian proof marks, with improperly shaped backstraps/trigger guards, with Italian date codes, with various screws that enter from the wrong side, with screws that have dissimilar threads from the originals, with European wood vs. American walnut, with improper case colors (and lack of
case-hardening), et al.
How is that not a fantasy pistol? I guess it depends on your definitions and where you draw the line.
To each, his/her own.
I know you like where your direction is, and I mine.
Regards,
Jim