Before you bite my head off, please help with an old Colt question?

[WaistGunner]

I am trying to help identify and determine an approximate value on an old Colt semi automatic pistol for a gentleman. It is patent dated 1897 and 1902, is chambered for a .38 Colt automatic, and serial numbered 30###. There is lots of honest wear, but it is super clean inside and has some bluing remaining on the frame and slide. Is this a model of 1903, or 1908? Any insights? Thanks, Waistgunner

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg78/waistgunner_chimp/colt1908b.jpg[/img] ]
[URL=[img]http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg78/waistgunner_chimp/colt1908a.jpg[/img] ]

 

[WaistGunner]

I am trying to help identify and determine an approximate value on an old Colt semi automatic pistol for a gentleman. It is patent dated 1897 and 1902, is chambered for a .38 Colt automatic, and serial numbered 30###. There is lots of honest wear, but it is super clean inside and has some bluing remaining on the frame and slide. Is this a model of 1903, or 1908? Any insights? Thanks, Waistgunner

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg78/waistgunner_chimp/colt1908b.jpg[/img] ]
[URL=[img]http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg78/waistgunner_chimp/colt1908a.jpg[/img] ]

 

[wilshire1412]

Looks like a 1903 Pocket to me, certainly different from the 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32acp pistol. As far as value it could be $500 as is or more if there is something unusual with this one. There are a few of these around so the generic ones are not valued in the four figure range unless it is in nearly new condition. These shoot .38 ACP and NOT the .38 super, just in case you did not know this. I think .38 ACP might still be available in factory loading.

 

[n4zov]

That is a very nice old Colt! You can probable find more information at:

www.coltautos.com/

www.coltforum.com

 

[WaistGunner]

Thank you kind Sirs for your insights. I will do some research on the other websites. Good day to all! Waistgunner

 

[Jim Watson]

Agreed.
1903 Pocket .38
That serial number dates to to 1912, 1913, or 1914 according to Proofhouse.com

I'd sure pay $500 for the most ordinary version in that good conditon. Most go for more these days.

 

[Karl in NY]

Also, just because you used the dreaded "c-word", your head is safe from being bitten off on this forum...probably not on Sigforum, though

 

[WaistGunner]

Originally posted by Karl in NY:
Also, just because you used the dreaded "c-word", your head is safe from being bitten off on this forum...probably not on Sigforum, though

Thanks guys, so it is a 1903 Colt Pocket .38 auto, worth in the $500.00-600.00 range. To quote the philanthropist Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

 

[Karl in NY]

To quote the philanthropist Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

Uh, that would be "philosopher" Rodney, rather than "philanthropist" Rodney, but maybe you actually meant "philanderer" Rodney...

This is how we would respond over on Sigforum

 

[wilshire1412]

Please don't take my word for it on the number I threw out there, I have seen a Colt 1903 Pocket in similar shape at that price in the not too distant past. If you ask over at the Colt forum you should get a closer idea on value.

 

[Duke426]

Originally posted by Karl in NY:

To quote the philanthropist Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

Uh, that would be "philosopher" Rodney, rather than "philanthropist" Rodney, but maybe you actually meant "philanderer" Rodney...

This is how we would respond over on Sigforum

No, he really is a philanthropist.

My understanding is that the man spread his wealth (his settlement) among the pimps, pushers and whores on the streets of Los Angeles and now has not a dime to his name.

So, Waistgunner had it right to begin with.