Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns advice on colt

I trade different stuff all the time and have ran across something i dont know much about. I have a blazer that is in pretty bad shape and i was asking 600 dollars for it, and a guy approached me with a colt 1897-1903 32, i looked up the serial number and it was produced in 1917 as far as i can tell, do any of you guys know if this is a fair deal or have anymore info on this gun. Thank you

Need more information. Is that a patent date or is it a 1903 Colt in .32ACP?

I am guessing this is what you are talking about, let you conscience be your guide when you grade it. Note that they were .32 WCF AKA 32-20 The vast majority were made in .38 Colt caliber.

MODEL 1892 "NEW ARMY & NAVY" (2ND ISSUE)
- similar to 1889 Navy, but double cylinder notches, double locking bolt, and shorter flutes, square cyl. release thumb catch, hard rubber (commercial models) or plain uncheckered wood (military models) grips, .32-20 WCF cal. (uncommon) added in 1905. Mfg. 1892-1907.
Grading
100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
$1,450 $1,200 $950 $800 $500 $400 $300 $250 $225 $210 $195 $180
Add $100-$750 for U.S.N. markings, depending on condition.
Add 25% for 3 in. barrel.

see if this helps, this is my first crack at something like this







on the right side there is
colt automatic
calibre 32 rimless smokeless

and on the left
patented
april.20.1897.dec.23.1903 colts pt.fa mfg.co hartford.ct.usa
253624

They are good little guns and in its current condition I would guess in the $400 price range. Might ask for a little cash on top. I have two of the 32's and they are accurate and reliable little pocket guns and make for nice concealable pieces. The Colt 1903 was later followed up with the Colt model M 1908 in .380 ACP. Like was already stated, let your conscious be your guide on what kind of deal to make. Ryan

I have a very early .380 ACP version of that. These things were made like a fine Swiss watch. That one looks to be in great shape. I'd go for it.

PS Here's mine:

I have one of those as well and they are good little guns that are very accurate and EASY to carry. The following is from the Blue Book of Gun Values and should be used as a guide to RETAIL pricing, some collectors will pay way more for VERY NICE specimens, any others are just good little shooters.

MODEL 1903 POCKET (MODEL M .32 ACP) - .32 ACP cal., 4 in. barrel, charcoal blue, checkered hard rubber grips, hammerless, slide lock and grip safety, barrel lock bushing. Mfg. 1903-46.
Grading
100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
$800 $600 $450 $400 $350 $275 $225
Add 20% for nickel finish (mostly w/pearl grips).
Add 60% for first model (Type I) mfg. 1903-1911 if in 100%-98% condition. If lower than 98%, add 20%.
Add 30% for Type II if in 100%-98% condition.
Add 10% with original box and instructions.
Type I - 32 ACPs have a 4 in. barrel, barrel bushing, no magazine safety, and are serial numbered 1-71,999.
Type II - 32 ACPs still retain their barrel bushing but have a 3 3/4 in. barrel and were mfg. from 1908-1910. They are serial numbered 72,000-105,050.
Type III - 32 ACPs do not have a barrel bushing and were mfg. from 1910-1926. They are serial numbered 105,051-468,096.
Type IV - 32 ACPs have the added magazine safety (of which there are both the commercial and "U.S. Property" variations). They are serial numbered 468,097-554,446.

Ok, the transmission went out on my trade on the way back from hunting this morning but he still wants to do the trade, so now it is a for sure go. Thank you all very much for your help.