[SkydivnShooter]

Recently acquired this. Any idea what it is worth? Colt SAA .45. Serial number places it at 1956 mfg but it has 1972 and 1975 patent dates.

Decent condition. Not perfect by any means. No box.

 

[JayThom]

Do you have more pics? Any special markings? Wondering if it’s a factory commemorative of some kind? The other interesting fact is that those look to be real MOP grips. In Texas we would call this a BBQ Gun.

 

[SkydivnShooter]

I've done a bit more Detective work. Appears as if it is a...

2nd Generation Single Action Army. 1956 - 1974

The gold suggests refinished, not by colt. I guess they didn't do gold. We can tell it has been taken apart and reassembled. $1500 - $2000

Grips - mother of pearl - add $400 - $500.

To validate price, I would look on Gunbroker to see if something similar is listed.

These are all opinions of a friend who focuses on these.

 

[JayThom]

I guess everyone has their opinion, but refinishing a gun usually craters the value in the eyes of collectors. Not to mention, it appears the gold is wearing thin in quite a few places on the gun. Best of luck with it.

 

[SkydivnShooter]

I guess everyone has their opinion, but refinishing a gun usually craters the value in the eyes of collectors. Not to mention, it appears the gold is wearing thin in quite a few places on the gun. Best of luck with it.

Thanks so much. So, what do you place the appraisal at?

 

[JayThom]

Opinions are just that, but my instinct says $1300-$1400 tops...

the other problem you have is that it's a shooter gun because of the gold plate, yet it probably has the notoriously oversize throats which means it would make a poor shooter...

if you have them, try putting minus pin gauges in from the front of the cylinder charge holes...I'd wager you're gonna see some .458s and .457s...

The old 45 Colt used a .454 diameter bullet not a .452, still the throats being so large negatively impacts accuracy.

 

[SkydivnShooter]

Opinions are just that, but my instinct says $1300-$1400 tops...

the other problem you have is that it's a shooter gun because of the gold plate, yet it probably has the notoriously oversize throats which means it would make a poor shooter...

if you have them, try putting minus pin gauges in from the front of the cylinder charge holes...I'd wager you're gonna see some .458s and .457s...

The old 45 Colt used a .454 diameter bullet not a .452, still the throats being so large negatively impacts accuracy.

Thank you again for the info. I have absolutely no experience with them.

 

[cocopuff]

If that was my Colt I would make a call to Turnbull or another established restoration firm for an estimate and return the revolver to it’s former finish.

 

[SkydivnShooter]

If that was my Colt I would make a call to Turnbull or another established restoration firm for an estimate and return the revolver to it’s former finish.

What do you think it would be worth after that?

 

[cocopuff]

What do you think it would be worth after that?

My guess would be in the $2000 and up range.

 

[JayThom]

My guess would be in the $2000 and up range.

there's some truth to this, a well done restoration by a respected gunsmith who can truly restore the gun in all aspects would definitely help, but I still think even being a second gen gun that you'll end up in the hole... Doug Turnbull's work is magnificent and like most magnificent things it is not cheap. Call him and ask for a quote. You'd need the following:

strip finish from gun
case colour the frame
blue barrel & grip frame
recut stampings and roll marks
(this one is optional) fire/nitre blue small parts
possible cylinder replacement/swap

then if he can do it and you be into the gun for less than say 2K then it's worth it

 

[SkydivnShooter]

there's some truth to this, a well done restoration by a respected gunsmith who can truly restore the gun in all aspects would definitely help, but I still think even being a second gen gun that you'll end up in the hole... Doug Turnbull's work is magnificent and like most magnificent things it is not cheap. Call him and ask for a quote. You'd need the following:

strip finish from gun
case colour the frame
blue barrel & grip frame
recut stampings and roll marks
(this one is optional) fire/nitre blue small parts
possible cylinder replacement/swap

then if he can do it and you be into the gun for less than say 2K then it's worth it

Perfect. I have a call into them now.

 

[cocopuff]

If getting the most money from the revolver is your main thought try the SASS or a Colt forum for a value. I’d almost bet there are folks out there that dream of a gold plated Colt(certainly one did) and have a bag full of money. Good luck on your quest.