New Guns - Help

damiano · May 19, 2000, 02:25 AM

I just was given from an old friend two guns that his father had left him. I'm trying to find out the approximate worth and any techinical details I need to be aware of in using them.

The first one is a Colt Automatic .32 caliber, serial #440346 and the Patent Dates are 1897/1903. The finish looks all but gone, but it cycles smooth and ate a box of Fiocchi without a problem and was dead accurate. It holds eight in the mag and one in the pipe. Even has the original prancing pony grips.

The second is a single-action Colt 45 that fires .45 Long Colt. It's been chromed sometime in the past. Haven't yet fired it.

Can any of you extremely knowledgable gentlemen help me out on this information seeking quest?

Thanks,
damiano

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damiano

**Mal H** · May 19, 2000, 02:31 AM

This sounds like a question for our resident expert on such matters. Look for this in Harley Nolden's Institute forum...

[I know right away he is going to need some additional info on the .45 Colt]

James K · May 19, 2000, 08:00 PM

The auto pistol is the Model 1903 pocket pistol. As you found, they are a rugged and accurate pistol, although many have barrels ruined inside by corrosive primers and lack of cleaning. With little or no finish, the value is only about $150 or less.

Some single action Colts were nickel plated, but never chromed, and if it is really a chrome finish, it would detract seriously from the value. More information would be useful.

Jim

damiano · May 21, 2000, 03:31 AM

Thank you for the info on the 1903 .32, would you happen to have any advice on use? The finish is nearly all gone, but the mechanics of it seem perfect. Are there certain loads I should or should not use?

As far the SA goes, here is all the info I have it.
It is chromed by the first owner in the 1950's and the chrome has held up well. It has the original prancing pony grips. On the left side of the barrel is a stamping reading 45 COLT. Also on the left side, below the cylinder is a small pony with the following text:
PAT SEPT 19 1871
JULY 2 72 JAN.19.75

The serial numbers on all parts match: 332536.

Thank you in advance for the help.

Gunslinger · May 21, 2000, 06:40 AM

Your SAA was manufactured in 1916.

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Gunslinger

TFL End of Summer Meet, August 12th & 13th, 2000

May 19, 2000, 02:25 AM	#1
damiano Member Join Date: September 29, 1999 Posts: 74	I just was given from an old friend two guns that his father had left him. I'm trying to find out the approximate worth and any techinical details I need to be aware of in using them. The first one is a Colt Automatic .32 caliber, serial #440346 and the Patent Dates are 1897/1903. The finish looks all but gone, but it cycles smooth and ate a box of Fiocchi without a problem and was dead accurate. It holds eight in the mag and one in the pipe. Even has the original prancing pony grips. The second is a single-action Colt 45 that fires .45 Long Colt. It's been chromed sometime in the past. Haven't yet fired it. Can any of you extremely knowledgable gentlemen help me out on this information seeking quest? Thanks, damiano ------------------ ---------- damiano

May 19, 2000, 02:31 AM	#2
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	This sounds like a question for our resident expert on such matters. Look for this in Harley Nolden's Institute forum... [I know right away he is going to need some additional info on the .45 Colt]

May 19, 2000, 08:00 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The auto pistol is the Model 1903 pocket pistol. As you found, they are a rugged and accurate pistol, although many have barrels ruined inside by corrosive primers and lack of cleaning. With little or no finish, the value is only about $150 or less. Some single action Colts were nickel plated, but never chromed, and if it is really a chrome finish, it would detract seriously from the value. More information would be useful. Jim

May 21, 2000, 03:31 AM	#4
damiano Member Join Date: September 29, 1999 Posts: 74	Thank you for the info on the 1903 .32, would you happen to have any advice on use? The finish is nearly all gone, but the mechanics of it seem perfect. Are there certain loads I should or should not use? As far the SA goes, here is all the info I have it. It is chromed by the first owner in the 1950's and the chrome has held up well. It has the original prancing pony grips. On the left side of the barrel is a stamping reading 45 COLT. Also on the left side, below the cylinder is a small pony with the following text: PAT SEPT 19 1871 JULY 2 72 JAN.19.75 The serial numbers on all parts match: 332536. Thank you in advance for the help.

May 21, 2000, 06:40 AM	#5
Gunslinger Junior member Join Date: January 5, 1999 Location: Springfield, Missouri Posts: 2,105	Your SAA was manufactured in 1916. ------------------ Gunslinger TFL End of Summer Meet, August 12th & 13th, 2000