Posted: 6/14/2008 5:26:28 PM EDT
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Anyone seen one of these before? Was it in operating condition? How much are they worth? Here's a picture of one in all its Single Action Glory! 
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It's still an Italian copy. I've seen several real ones, but I used to shoot SASS and they were very much desired by shooters and collectors. |
If that guns ever becomes mine I will attempt to fix it, but doubt it will be possible.
Colt has been making them, by the tens of thousands, since 1873. They aren't really "rare".
Collectible First Generations with provenance (documentation) -esp. "Custer" serial number range- SAAs go for as much as $10K. However, even First Generations 'shooters' can be bought for what a "late Third Generation" (current production are ~$1000) or USFA high-end clone costs (~$1000). My local shop has a mid-1960s refinished First Generation with a black powder frame for about $1600 - the refinisher over polished it and ruined the collector value. Its a consignment gun and I'd give $900 for it but the owner doesn't realize how much the value was compromised. You can find pre-1896 "shooters" or C&R eligible "shooters" in the sub-$2K range online. Check Flayderman's for values. That picture may be a early First Generation with a contemporary brass strap added, HOWEVER since Colt NEVER manufactured any brass-framed percussion revolvers that is not a Colt Model 1860 strap (never manufactured in brass), so I'd guess that is deliberately "antiqued" reproduction with a reproduction front strap from an Italian reproduction percussion "colt 1860" added. |