1918-made 1903 Colt .32 Value???

[Redcoat3340]

Have a 1903, made in 1918, that's been sitting in the safe for a few years. Gets taken out about every 6 months and I run a mag or two through it. I won't carry it (although real, real thin, I have a few guns that carry just as well and aren't over 100 years old, not that that's a problem, I'd just hate to see it in an evidence locker, god forbid).



So I'm wondering what it's worth? Ahhhh, says you, what shape is it in? Well, says I, not bad: bore is better than good, frame is worn for sure, nothings cracked, has one original mag and a new one (currently on sale at CDNN for $29) on the way, no box or papers, just a gun. Check out the pics. (I'm thinking of selling it and a few others guns to finance a NIB 39-2 as this in one of only 3 Colts I own -- a 1917 .45 and Police Positive in 38 S&W are the other two -- and I'd much rather have a super nice 39-2 than the Colt, no matter how iconic it might be.

I'll check out the big auction site, but I always get a very honest take of value from the folks here.



Thanks in advance.

 

[reccpd101]

My LGS has had one in the case priced at $700 for several weeks.

 

[Justin T]

They are priced between $750 and $1k here, and they sit for a long time.

$600-$650 seems decent to me. Again, for my area. I’ve noticed guns price differently in different regions.

 

[Sistema1927]

Just me, and no indication of current pricing, but if I saw that one sitting in a case at more than $600 I would give it a pass.

 

[Bill Bates]

Looking at the second photo, it looks like it has been over buffed/polished and hot blued.

I wouldn't give it a second look, even at 3 or $400.

 

[Faulkner]

This picture is the one that seems to impact the potential value the most. Either the picture is a little out of focus or it's showing some minor pitting on the left side as compared to the picture of the right side.

I have a Colt 1903 that I bought from a lady that had let it sit in a sock drawer for at least 30 years. As it lay in the drawer, the up side looked brand spanking new. Unfortunately, the down side exhibited some rust and pitting. I bought it for $350 (a few years ago) and sent it off to be bead blasted and then Parkerized. Most likely killed any collector value, but it looks a whole lot better. Cost me a hundred bucks for the work and it's one of my favorite shooters.

Here's a picture of the bad side after it was bead blasted and Parkerized.

 

[Greyman50]

Saw 4 that 1 dealer had show this weekend, wanted 900 clams to 1200 clams!!!! None sold, only 1 was decent condition.
Want to find a US marked one….

 

[Triggerman66]

I agree with Bill Bates on pricing. Condition is everything with these little handy pistols. Who did the refinishing of Faulkners 1903 did a fine job, would be nice to know who did it?

 

[squidsix]

I bought a hammerless 380 (1908) for $850. It was rough, and needed a few things.
Six magazines cost me a grand. The gun was waaaaay ahead of its time, and now we have to suck it up and spend the money.
.32 cal versions seem to be significantly cheaper. The Cabelas in PA a couple of weeks ago had six or seven 1903 pistols. From $550 to $1150.
A “US Property” marked model will bring a massive premium.
Novack will still work on them, and do a fantastic job. I will let you know when it comes back.

 

[JH1951]

I would expect to get about $350 for that one. Ones that have not been buffed and have 90% original finish remaining I would expect to see changing hands at about $600, and a 95+% I'd expect to see $800 on a decent day. 98 -100% $1200 up..... Condition is the price driver on those,
and most other pieces as well. Having a proper box will add as well perhaps another $150 to the estimates.

 

[safearm]

There was one in the case of a LGS about six months ago. It had been re-blued, although it was a pretty good job, and had replacement checkered hardwood grips (no medallions). Bore was good, action was tight. Asking price was $750. I probably could have negotiated down to $650 cash OTD, but I doubt I could get any lower.
The only reason I was interested is because I have a 1932 Walther PPK in .32 ACP, and a 1903 GO model re-issue. Despite all of the ammo shortages, I've been able to get .32 ACP at most of the stores I frequent.

 

[JH1951]

.........
The only reason I was interested is because I have a 1932 Walther PPK in .32 ACP, and a 1903 GO model re-issue. Despite all of the ammo shortages, I've been able to get .32 ACP at most of the stores I frequent.

Let me follow my other comments with my impression of the 1903 Colt - I think they are one of the sweetest shooting handguns ever made. If you can get a decent one I think you will not regret it at all. Lots of people knock the .32ACP, but none of them would want to stand in front of one.

 

[merl67]

Here is mine I got 3 years ago locally for $400. I have replaced the grips with some more appropriate ones. I love it, but wouldnt give a lot more for it today perhaps $450-500 ?