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Please estimate value of a colt 1861 "conversion" matching

 
Philip Van Cleave's Avatar
  • Answered by:Philip Van Cleave
  • Firearms Instructor
  • Positive Feedback: 99.4 %
  • Accepted Answers: 1985
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in Firearms

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Customer Question

Please estimate value of a colt 1861 "conversion" matching serial # XXXXX all pieces in wood case with accessories .38 RF serial # XXXXX good condition

 



Already Tried:
I can't find any value estimate of the conversion modles.

Submitted: 324 days and 4 hours ago.
Category: Firearms
Value: $40
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied324 days and 4 hours ago.

Thank you for using Just Answer!

The Richards-Mason Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver Conversion modified the Colt Model 1861 to accept .38 caliber rimfire or centerfire cartridges. The frame is milled to allow the hammer to contact the cartridge.

Based on the serial number provided, your conversion is the U.S. Navy (as opposed to the civilian version). The gun is a centerfire and has a soft, military blue finish with non-constant military markings.

Retail values:

Excellent: $30,000
Very Good: $19,200-$24,000
Good: $12,600-$14,400
Fair: $5,700-$9,600
Poor: $4,200

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

Philip

Customer replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

I would like to e-mail you pictures for more clairfication how can I do that.

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

The quickest way is to attach them to a message using Just Answer's paper clip icon (which you can see at the top of the message box you are typing in). Otherwise you can email them to XXX@XXXXXX.XXX and they will forward them to me in a day or two.

Customer replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

can I send you a picture for more clarification and where do I send it.

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

Charles,

Send it to:

support@justanswer.com

and they will forward it to me. I am not allowed to provide anyone my personal email address by Just Answer rules.

Philip

Customer replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

thank you I will send them now

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

I'll be on the look out for them when they are forwarded to me.

Customer replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

Thank you, XXXXX XXXXX especially interest if the photo's will confirm your analysis and what condition you would estimate it is in.

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied324 days and 3 hours ago.

I assume you have some good closeups and at least one showing the entire gun.

Customer replied324 days and 1 hours ago.

yes

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied324 days and 1 hours ago.

Perfect - I'll notify you when I get them.

Customer replied321 days and 5 hours ago.

Have you received the pictures yet?

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied321 days and 5 hours ago.

Not yet - the holiday might have slowed things down...

Customer replied321 days and 5 hours ago.

OK lookin g foward to your confirmation of the value. I was going to sell it to someone that said it was only worth 2 to 3 thousand. I hope you are right.


 


Charles

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied321 days and 5 hours ago.

If you are correct that the condition is good, another source (the 2012 Standard Catalog of Firearms) which is showing lower values for that gun than the Blue Book, is still way above $3,000:

Very Good: $15,000
Good: $7,500
Fair: $3,500
Poor: $1,000Philip Van Cleave41095.7408963773

Customer replied321 days and 4 hours ago.

The over all condition is very good for a firearm that old. The only blemish is some nicks in the barrel where someone could not remove the barrel at one time.


 


I really appreciate your help. Do I rate you now or when we are finished?

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied321 days and 4 hours ago.

While we are waiting, here is the condition criteria for antiques such as yours:

Excellent is at least 98% original finish and bore condition and 100% working order with all original parts and no repairs.

Very good is at least 80% original finish and bore condition and 100% working order with original parts and no repairs.

Good is at least 50% original finish, bore may show some corrosion and wear and must be in working order. Small repairs, alterations, and factory replacement parts are allowed.

Fair requires that there be at least some original finish or old refinishing remaining and gun may or may not be in working order.

Poor has no finish, has pitting, and may not be in working order - a "wall hanger."

Philip

Expert TypeFirearms Instructor
Category: Firearms
Pos. Feedback: 99.4 %
Accepts: 1985
Answered: 7/5/2012

Experience: Firearms instructor, 40 years experience with firearms.

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Customer replied321 days and 4 hours ago.

That is very helpful, based on these descriptions I got to believe mine is the neighborhood of very good. hopefully you will agree.


Thanks again for staying with this.


 


Charles

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied321 days and 2 hours ago.

You bet.

Customer replied320 days and 5 hours ago.

They don't seem to want to send you the pictures. should I send them again and mention to send them to you. Is sending pictures unusual?

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied320 days and 5 hours ago.

People send photos from time to time. You might include the link to this thread so they know what question the photos go to. The link is:

http://www.justanswer.com/firearms/6v3af-please-estimate-value-colt-1861-conversion-matching.html

Philip

Customer replied320 days and 3 hours ago.

will do

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied320 days and 1 hours ago.

Photos arrived! Gun looks very nice. They key is how much of the finish is on the gun, I just can't tell very well from the picture. Thus, I can't say for sure if it is in "good" or "very good" condition. Considering the potential value, I would suggest you go to a local auction house that specializes in antique firearms and get a "hands on" appraisal.

Philip

Customer replied319 days and 5 hours ago.

Thanks again

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Expert:  Philip Van Cleave replied314 days and 22 hours ago.

Charles,

Thanks for the "accept" on your Colt 1861 Conversion. If you have any future firearms questions, please keep both Just Answer and me in mind.

Philip

 
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