[jlpeterson]

I've owned a 1901 Colt DA .38 and holster for several years and now consider selling it; I have buyers interested and want to be reasonable but need a starting point. I'm not an appraiser but will offer that it appears to be of average or better condition. There is no corrosion but approximately 70% of blueing is absent; metal is in good shape. The black walnut grip is in fairly good condition but a sliver is missing along the rear bottom left grip. Serial number 151259 so believe it was built in 1901. Inspector initials RAC appear in several places. Pencil markings "1259" are also on the reverse side of grips. The holster is in excellent condition; the backside is stamped with "Rock Island Arsenal 1907 H.E.K. The front (beside the large U.S.); flap is stamped with 2F (or P) GA. Below that is a larger "96". Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Jim K]

The gun is a U.S. Army Model 1901 revolver, one model of a series that included the Models 1892, 1894, 1896, 1901 and 1903. There were also Navy contract models as well as a variation made for the U.S.M.C., the Model 1905. They were all made for the .38 Long Colt cartridge, although the Model 1903 and the Model 1905 were also made to accept .38 Special. Alongside military production, there was also civilian production, in both the .38 Long Colt and the .41 Colt.

RAC is Rinaldo A. Carr, the Army inspector at Colt; HEK is Henry E. Kelsey, an inspector at the Rock Island Army leather shop.

I notice that the trigger is not in the forward position, indicating that the trigger return spring is broken or that there is something else wrong internally.

In the condition shown, I expect the gun would bring around $250, less if the trigger spring is broken or missing.

I don't have a value on the holster, although they are uncommon today.

Jim

 

[jlpeterson]

Thanks for your response Jim. I've pulled the trigger through multiple times and all components seem to work fine so hope there's no issue with the trigger spring. I've been told that the holster could go as high as 300 bucks but I also realize that it all depends on how deep the buyers pockets are. -jeff