Value of Colt Commando 38 Special and Colt 45 Army 1917 Model

[Sorre]

The Colt Commando 38 Special has a 4 inch barrel. It is in excellent condition. It has not been fired in about 30 years.

The Colt 45 is the Army 1917 Model w/ lanyard swivel hook with what appears to be a 5 1/2 inch barrel. It is in excellent condition. It also has not been fired in about 30 years. It has been in my Dad's possession for about 60 years.
Once I have the details worked out, I plan to put it up for auction on Gunbroker.com.
Comments will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sir William]

I put the price against condition. Have they also not been cleaned in 30 years? Rust? Bore condition? Finish? Grips should be whole with no large nicks or gouges. Pics would be best. I cannot begin to guess a value without a better description and details of all markings/stampings. They could be diamonds in the rough or junk. Have the sights been filed or modified? The original ammunition was corrosive. The barrels might be fine or they could resemble sewer pipes. Please be more descriptive or post pics. The revolvers sound interesting.

 

[mtnboomer]

From Gun Trader's Guide #27

Colt Commando - NiB $442 Ex $338 Gd $234

Colt New Service - 1917 Army - NiB $1034 Ex $827 Gd $563

 

[Sorre]

Photos of the Colt 45 (1917) and the Colt 38 Commando

I have attached photos of the Colt 45 and the Colt 38 Special. I hope they will come out half way decent. Apparently the 45 was manufactured in 1918 according to its SN. I asked my Dad when he acquired the gun and he recalls around 1938. The only time it was fired since 1938 was in 1975 when he fired about 20 rounds at the range. Guns is in better condition than they show up in the photos.

The Colt 38 came into his possession somewhere around the early 1960s and has never been fired since he has owned it.

Both guns are very clean.

The 45 has some rubbing on about 1 1/2 inch at the tip of the barrel. One of the grips has an indentation about 3/4 inch by 1/8 inch. The other side appears in excellent condition. The bluing appears to be in excellent condition.

I'm trying to find out all I can about the gun so I can attach some value to the gun before putting it up for auction. My Dad is 91 and this is a "kick" for him.
I appreciate your input. I may also be contacted via email at sorre@charter.net.

 

[Sir William]

Both seem to be WWII build/rebuild with matte parkerized finish. The Commando seems to have Coltwood plastic grips. These were some of the first phenol plastics. Are they warped? Warpage is normal as they age. These were basically Colt Police Positives in a matte finish and cheaper grips that were produced for varied plant police at defense contractors. They are not commonly found. I suggest a generic price of $250.00 to $300.00 based on the pictures. The Colt 1917 was the New Service new improved model. I suggest a generic price of $750.00 to $850.00 based on the pictures.