Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Info on a .45 Colt ...

Last week, a woman asked me to give this woman an approx. price on her late husbands guns. Several shooters, 5 junkers, and I don't know much about this one, a Colt .45 revolver, single-action, 7 1/2" bbl, 'bout 85-90% bluing left, case color frame very good, black grips, #l3,xxxSA. A well taken care-of piece. Holster wear on barrel & muzzle; been fired.

I know it's hard to give a value W/O seeing it or pics. She lives couple hrs away from me & I won't get back to see her.
Another couple took me there & I don't quite remember the way. If possible, year made & $$. THANKS Y'ALL for any info...

.. 99 LL ..

I'd say about $1500, in the condition you describe. It was made in 1957 if the "l" that follows your "#" sign is actually a 1. At any rate, it is a 2nd Generation gun. Are you certain that is all that is left of the bluing? Usually, smokeless guns aren't that worn. This is just a guess. I've been out of the antique gun game for a few years. When it comes to sales, .45 is always preferable to about anything else, unless it's something rare.

Hey C.Y.

Thank You for the info. Yes that 1st number is a 1. I didn't want to overrate the bluing but to others it might be 90-95% left. I have heard of the 1st; 2nd; or 3rd; etc Generation of .45s, but never encountered them.. I Thank You.

.. 99 LL ..

By SN it was made in 1957

SAA Early 2nd Generation
- ser. no. range 0001SA to approx. 39,000SA, shipped in one-piece black box similar to pre-war box. Mfg. from 1956-65.
Grading .45 LC cal.
100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
$2,800 $2,200 $1,800 $1,500 $1,200 $1,000 $900

Add 30% for original black box in good condition.
Add 20% for original nickel finish.
Add 15% for original 4 3/4 in. barrel.
The very earliest models of this group, with serial numbers under 10,000 SA, have become more desirable when found in 100% new condition, with perfect black box, brush and papers - this configuration may bring an additional 20%.

T Lee:

Thank You for your info too. More ammo I can tell the woman to let her know about what's it worth. Don't think she had the black box, didn't show it to me. Just a plain, home-made holster with some 45 Colt ammo.

.. 99 LL ..