Posted: 6/6/2008 1:46:43 PM EDT
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My dad just gave me a Colt Single Action Army.  I would like to know about when it was manufactured and an approximate value. I know he has had it at least 25 years and it is unfired.The information on the end of the box: Model P1640 Serial # 96xxxxA Finish B Barrel 4 3/4 Caliber .357 Factory 38356 Any other information would be helpful also. |
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proofhouse.com/ if you call colts historical line, they will give you some basic info if they have it. other then that, it will cost you some $$ to get a "historical letter" |
| You have an early 3rd. Generation Colt SAA, manufactured in 1978. The B under finish of course stands for Blue - these were offered in other finishes as well such as Nickel. The 357's were mostly discontinued around 1983, making them somewhat more rare than other calibers. In spite of this, they're not more valuable, likely because the 357 doesn't appeal to traditionalists - it wasn't an original cowboy caliber. The barrel length of 4 3/4 is desirable. People are very anal about what "unfired" means in a Colt SAA - A picky collector will consider that to men that the gun is not only unfired, but the cylinder is unturned as well ( dry firing the gun will leave scratch marks and wear on the cylinder). If the gun were in True 100%, it could fetch anywhere from 1300 to 1600 from they right buyer, maybe more! That said, if it's Turned, shows wear, or doesn't have the original brown cardboard box, it'll fetch a bit less - maybe 1000 to 1300. DO NOT let anyone convince you it's worth less, if anything it'll fetch more. Colt SAA have shown exploding values for at least the past 10 years, and there's no reason to think this trend will stop anytime soon. Hold on to it and it'll appreciate every year. BTW - I don't assume this has ivory grips - I assume they're the black plastic, or some were offered with wood. If on the outside chance it does have factory Ivory's, it's worth way, way, more. Again, DO NOT take less for it, I've seen many Colt SAA's, even 3rd generation models regularly sell for more than what the Blue Book lists for their value. |
| Thanks for the info. I don't plan on selling it since my dad gave it to me. It does have the black plastic grips and I do have the box with what appears to be all the paperwork in it. This one is a keeper for sure and will remain unfired. Probably will pass it down to my son. |