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i have come across a colt blackpowder handgun , s\n 31525 .

 
Philip Van Cleave's Avatar
  • Answered by:Philip Van Cleave
  • Firearms Instructor
  • Positive Feedback: 99.4 %
  • Accepted Answers: 1997
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Customer Question

i have come across a colt blackpowder handgun , s\n 31525 . could you please give me a ballpark idea on what it may be worth . i would call the condition at maybe a 8 out of 10 . thank you in advance .

 



Already Tried:
this is my first attempt.

Submitted: 489 days and 2 hours ago.
Category: Firearms
Value: CA$30
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied489 days and 2 hours ago.

Thank you for using Just Answer!

What are the various markings on the gun other than the serial number?

Philip

Customer replied489 days and 2 hours ago.

it had sam colt patented on the drun and all three s\n barrel ,action and grip

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied489 days and 1 hours ago.

What are the patent dates, caliber, number of cylinders?

Customer replied489 days and 1 hours ago.

i can not read the patent date as it was etched in not stamped . it has six cylinders and i believe it is a 45 cal .

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied489 days and 1 hours ago.

Can you attach a photo of the gun using the paper clip icon?

Customer replied489 days and 1 hours ago.

no sorry the lady that owns it lives a couple hours away from me

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied489 days and 1 hours ago.

In that case, IF it is a Colt Single-Action Army revolver, with that serial number, here is the information:

The serial number provided indicates that gun was made in 1876.

I believe that you have an Intermediate Black Powder Single Action Army. They were made from 1876 until 1890, encompassing serial numbers 22000 to 130000.

The Intermediate model had a lot of changes happening during its run.

In 1877 , the gun could have come with either walnut or rubber grips.

Around the 52000 serial number range the round head ejector is change to oval. Also during the run 4-3/4 to 5-1/2 inch barrel become more popular and Colt begins to abandon putting serial numbers on they cylinders and barrels of commercial revolvers.

Nickel plated single action revolvers seldom have numbered barrels and cylinders after the 60000 serial number range. Blued guns had the numbers up until around the 110000 serial number range and occasionally thereafter up to 125000. Two line, two date markings change to three line, three dates by 1878.

A nickel plated finish is not as desirable as a blued finish.

Blue Book values for an Intermediate in date range 1880-1890 (what a dealer would offer, add around 20% for retail values):

Excellent: $37,000-$42,000
Very Good: $25,000-$31,000
Good: $16,000-$20,000
Fair: $7,000-$12,000
Poor: $5,500

NOTE: Subtract 50% for a nickel plated version. If you have the original box, add 30%. If you have a 4-3/4 inch barrel, add 10%. One piece wood grips are more desirable than 2 piece rubber grips.

Since this gun, if a SAA, is quite valuable, you need to confirm that is what it is. A local gun dealer should be able to help you or a nearby auction house that specializes in antique firearms. If that is not a SAA, then, of course, pricing is going to be different.

I hope this helps. If you are satisfied with my answer, please click the "accept" button. Thanks!

Philip

Expert TypeFirearms Instructor
Category: Firearms
Pos. Feedback: 99.4 %
Accepts: 1997
Answered: 2/16/2012

Experience: Firearms instructor, 40 years experience with firearms.

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