Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" - The Firearms Forum

perfdavid · 07-13-2011, 07:32 PM

Ok, gentlemen. I just purchased this gun to add to my firearms collection. I know what I paid for it BUT I would like to know what others think it is worth. I guess more of a validation for me,or maybe a let down. Anyway all of the action is super tight, all clicks and spring is excellent. Bore is in great shape. I took the grips off and did not see any numbers etched just what looks to be the letter H on both, so I don't know what that means, any ideas?
All serial numbers match and it has a letter from Colt, shipped in 1901 to a hardware store in Louisville, KY.
So, any Colt experts out there that would like to give an opinion of value?
Thanks, guys.

Jim K · 07-13-2011, 08:02 PM

It looks like a Western gun and like many of those, it has been "rode hard and put away wet." the finish is completely gone, and the markings and cylinder notches badly worn. I suspect it was wire brushed at one time to remove fairly heavy rust/patina. The grips are worn smooth from handling. The gun likely has a history ("if it could only talk") but from a collector's viewpoint, condition is all unless the history is known and involves a prominent person or incident.

Someone staked the screws to keep them from coming loose (are any other screws staked?), a practical measure but not one that helps the value.

I admit to not keeping track of SAA prices these days, but I would WAG at about $2000.

Jim

woolleyworm · 07-13-2011, 08:05 PM

I am by no means a Colt expert or any expert for that matter,

, but I will at least put out my thoughts on the gun. For guns like this, up close and personal is the only way to really evaluate them, so just a general ballpark based on the pics, I'd put it in the 2200-2400 range for insurance purposes.

perfdavid · 07-13-2011, 08:12 PM

Here are some more pics, thanks so far

Jim Hauff · 07-13-2011, 08:21 PM

Chambering will have some influence on value - what cartridge?

perfdavid · 07-13-2011, 08:26 PM

.45 LC

Jim Hauff · 07-14-2011, 08:46 AM

I'm inclined to agree with the valuations given above - no less than $2K with the letter of provenance.

perfdavid · 07-14-2011, 04:23 PM

Thank you all for the replies. Cowboy guns are my fav to collect. I am actually getting rid of my Luger P08 and Broomhandle C96 for another SAA made in 1880.
I brought the gun to my gunsmith today and he valued it at around 3200. I actually paid 2700 for it. I am happy, it was a gun I wanted, one I can also shoot and I got it for fair market value. I think it's a win/win.

07-13-2011, 07:32 PM	#1
perfdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 19	Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" Ok, gentlemen. I just purchased this gun to add to my firearms collection. I know what I paid for it BUT I would like to know what others think it is worth. I guess more of a validation for me,or maybe a let down. Anyway all of the action is super tight, all clicks and spring is excellent. Bore is in great shape. I took the grips off and did not see any numbers etched just what looks to be the letter H on both, so I don't know what that means, any ideas? All serial numbers match and it has a letter from Colt, shipped in 1901 to a hardware store in Louisville, KY. So, any Colt experts out there that would like to give an opinion of value? Thanks, guys. -->

07-13-2011, 08:02 PM	#2
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" It looks like a Western gun and like many of those, it has been "rode hard and put away wet." the finish is completely gone, and the markings and cylinder notches badly worn. I suspect it was wire brushed at one time to remove fairly heavy rust/patina. The grips are worn smooth from handling. The gun likely has a history ("if it could only talk") but from a collector's viewpoint, condition is all unless the history is known and involves a prominent person or incident. Someone staked the screws to keep them from coming loose (are any other screws staked?), a practical measure but not one that helps the value. I admit to not keeping track of SAA prices these days, but I would WAG at about $2000. Jim

07-13-2011, 08:05 PM	#3
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,884	Re: Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" I am by no means a Colt expert or any expert for that matter,, but I will at least put out my thoughts on the gun. For guns like this, up close and personal is the only way to really evaluate them, so just a general ballpark based on the pics, I'd put it in the 2200-2400 range for insurance purposes. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

07-13-2011, 08:12 PM	#4
perfdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 19	Re: Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" Here are some more pics, thanks so far

07-13-2011, 08:21 PM	#5
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" Chambering will have some influence on value - what cartridge? __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

07-13-2011, 08:26 PM	#6
perfdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 19	Re: Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" .45 LC

07-14-2011, 08:46 AM	#7
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" I'm inclined to agree with the valuations given above - no less than $2K with the letter of provenance. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

07-14-2011, 04:23 PM	#8
perfdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 19	Re: Colt .45 SAA 1st gen 4 3/4" Thank you all for the replies. Cowboy guns are my fav to collect. I am actually getting rid of my Luger P08 and Broomhandle C96 for another SAA made in 1880. I brought the gun to my gunsmith today and he valued it at around 3200. I actually paid 2700 for it. I am happy, it was a gun I wanted, one I can also shoot and I got it for fair market value. I think it's a win/win.