Colt Customs Service Commerative Gov't Model

[Trevor]

I recently came across a Colt Gov't Model that is a commerative issue for U.S. Customs Service. It is a 70 series but manufactured in 1989. It has a wooden display box and a Customs Service badge that matches a number on the pistol (although the serial number is different). The asking price is $1300. The pistol is mint. Any comments or knowledge on this pistol and its origins would be welcomed. Also, I am told it is now illegal to have Federal badges, even those never issued. Would it okay to acquire one as presented here?

[James K]

Hi, Trevor,

Maybe others will know for sure, but I can't find that that gun was produced by Colt. A number of outfits have bought Colt guns and then had them engraved for sale to various groups or to commemorate various events. These guns cost a lot of money when new, but are now less valuable than similar guns actually put out by Colt.

The trouble with law enforcement agency guns, like the S&W limited edition guns produced for dozens of police departments, is that they don't have a lot of interest outside that agency. They were usually bought as a package by a police benevolent association or something like that, and sold to the agency members, with proceeds going to the association.

Similar guns known to be all Colt are going around $1000-1200, so I would say the price sounds a bit high.

I can't imagine anyone worrying about the badge, but then I am not an FBI guy looking to butter up Janet in her last days in office.

Jim