I found for sale this post-war Colt SAA: .45 LC, 7.5", factory engraved, nickel plated, plastic ivory stock with Indian head engraved, serial number SA035xx; condition is NIB. Seller wants to hear an offer; what would be a fair price? I understand standard SAA is worth about $1,200 but have no idea how much factory engraving is worth. Thanks, m.
montenegrin
If this is second generation and new in the box a lowball price would be $1450 and an average would be $1700. A high price would be over $2000.
Keep in mind that even though this would be a special pistol if there were pics or provenance, it is still a buyers market.
Keep in mind that even though this would be a special pistol if there were pics or provenance, it is still a buyers market.
You also need to be SURE it's really a factory engraved gun.
The only way to be 100% sure is to buy a Colt Historical Letter from Colt's archive service.
Price is around $75. to $100 dollars but it'll plainly state whether the gun was a Colt Custom Shop gun, or something someone SAYS is a factory gun.
http://coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp
When dealing with higher dollars, take no chances.
While it's very possible a non-factory engraved gun can be just as valuable, that all depends on WHO did the engraving.
A top engraver's work brings top dollar.
Another major factor is what level is the engraving. Colt engraving runs from "A" to "D". "A" level is about 1/4 coverage, with "D" level being about 100% coverage.
The higher the level, the higher the price.
SA035xx was made in 1978.
The "SA" series started that year, and began at SA01001.
The number ran to SA14808 by the end of the year.
Again, just because someone SAYS it's a factory engraved gun is not PROOF.
Also, keep in mind that box labels are routinely faked up these days, so just because the label says it's a Custom Shop job, is no guarantee.
ONLY a factory letter is proof.
The only way to be 100% sure is to buy a Colt Historical Letter from Colt's archive service.
Price is around $75. to $100 dollars but it'll plainly state whether the gun was a Colt Custom Shop gun, or something someone SAYS is a factory gun.
http://coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp
When dealing with higher dollars, take no chances.
While it's very possible a non-factory engraved gun can be just as valuable, that all depends on WHO did the engraving.
A top engraver's work brings top dollar.
Another major factor is what level is the engraving. Colt engraving runs from "A" to "D". "A" level is about 1/4 coverage, with "D" level being about 100% coverage.
The higher the level, the higher the price.
SA035xx was made in 1978.
The "SA" series started that year, and began at SA01001.
The number ran to SA14808 by the end of the year.
Again, just because someone SAYS it's a factory engraved gun is not PROOF.
Also, keep in mind that box labels are routinely faked up these days, so just because the label says it's a Custom Shop job, is no guarantee.
ONLY a factory letter is proof.
Price depends on coverage of the engraving on the gun-- A=1/4, B=1/2,
C=3/4, D=100% and barrel length.
Price also depends on who engraved it- whether the engraver was an aprentice or master. Also finish tends to add value. There was a run of Colt guns for their 100th anniversary in 1986 that were called "engraver samplers"
These were made in very low quantities and bring higher prices then a regular engraved Colt.
I would guess at a price somewhere around $2,000. Factory Ivory grips add alot to the value of a gun whether its engraved or not.
The serial number is an early 3rd generation series.
C=3/4, D=100% and barrel length.
Price also depends on who engraved it- whether the engraver was an aprentice or master. Also finish tends to add value. There was a run of Colt guns for their 100th anniversary in 1986 that were called "engraver samplers"
These were made in very low quantities and bring higher prices then a regular engraved Colt.
I would guess at a price somewhere around $2,000. Factory Ivory grips add alot to the value of a gun whether its engraved or not.
The serial number is an early 3rd generation series.
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