Please help me determine the value of this Colt revolver

[jb2005]

COLT 45 Single Action. Need help determining the value. It was pulled out of storage and hasn't been clean yet. Your help is greatly appreciated!

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[Person of Interest]

If I recall correctly (and I could certainly be wrong) the so-called "smokeless powder" models of the SAA began about 1894 at serial number 165,000 or so. This gun is #202XXX so it appears to be (again, I am not a Colt expert) a First Generation gun (1873-1941) and likely dates from around 1900 based on the serial. Could be a few years either way, I'm just guessing, here.

Even in poor condition the 1stG guns bring a lot of money. Do not do any sort of restoration on it as this lowers value with collectors. I would pay the $100 to Colt for the history of this gun. In rare cases it turns out that a found gun was sent to someone famous or has some other interesting history that adds to value.

PS: I just did a quick search and found an SAA with serial 208XXX that was shipped in May of 1901. So yours is slightly earlier than that. It would be lucky if it dated to before 1900 because true 18th century Colts bring a premium.

The .45 and .44-40 are the most common calibers. Collectors will pay a premium for other calibers.

As for value you need an appraisal from a Colt expert. Could be $2,000 or $20,000. I see mismatched, 0% beater SAAs bringing $1500.

 

[James K]

Per Wilson, that gun was made in 1900. FWIW, that means it is not legally an antique under federal law.

It looks like it is nickel plated; a factory letter should say if that is the original finish. At least one screw appears to be a replacement, but that is a minor flaw and easily corrected by using a new properly shaped screw.

Limit cleaning to removal of dirt and any crud that is in the barrel and chambers. Do not use an abrasive of any kind. Be careful with the grips; old stag grips can be very brittle. Do not disassemble the gun unless absolutely necessary for repairs or cleaning, and then leave takedown to someone who knows those old guns and has the proper screwdrivers.

If there is any documentation available (letters from the original owner, documented stories of how great granddad shot that bandit with it, etc.) try to get hold of it and preserve it. Even the sales slip or an original box, holster, and so forth add to the value.

Jim