Quote:
Originally Posted by adustydawg
I have a 4" model 24-3, serial number ABZ 51xx.
It had been sitting in a safe of a collector since the seventies or early 80's. Any help on date and value appreciated.
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Well, not since the "seventies." The updated Model of 1950 was not introduced as the Model 24-3 until 1983. Only 7,500 were produced in 1983 and 1984. All were in the ABZxxxx serial range. 2,625 are reported as shipping with 4" barrels and the remaining 4,875 had 6 1/2" barrels. So you have a scarce and highly thought of revolver. Keep it clean.
Here are some photos of the one in my collection (a 6 1/2" example). I've not yet found a 4" mate for it, but I'm keeping my eyes open for one that is as clean as the one shown here.
As for value, I got mine in a trade with a friend who is a Colt's collector several years ago. He had $895 on it, but gave it to me straight across for a commercial 1911A1 National Match with the scarce fixed sights. He needed one for his collection and I had no money in it at all. It had been given to me by the son of my dad's high school buddy after he (the father) passed away. My dad was fine with me trading it off for a Smith that I wanted.