Hey, gun nuts!

[koalabear]

Colt .38 police special serial # 407996.

Date of manufacture please?

serial #'s starting with 40700 started in 1916 and were designated Army Special & Officer's Model. Not sure if that is what you have, but the serial number puts it in that range. I you really want to know, contact Colt they have records for every gun they made.

 

[PannieMonster]

This might get you close to the value: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/everygun/GunMfgCategoryDetail.aspx?id=500

 

[unregistered]

 

[John Doe]

Gun nuts? Reading that I got a weird image of a pair hanging just in front of the trigger guard.

Like truck nuts?

 

[PannieMonster]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/Peregrinator/SpringBreak082212.jpg

God Dammit! Typical Army clown, that pistol is filthy! Ten days in the brig, hard labor.

...and rusted.

 

[Ishmael]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/Peregrinator/SpringBreak082212.jpg

God Dammit! Typical Army clown, that pistol is filthy! Ten days in the brig, hard labor.

It needs a LOT of TLC for sure.

Ishmael

 

[Peregrinator]

Perg, This might help you: http://www.gundigest.com/article/colt_police_positive

serial #'s starting with 40700 started in 1916 and were designated Army Special & Officer's Model. Not sure if that is what you have, but the serial number puts it in that range. I you really want to know, contact Colt they have records for every gun they made.

This might get you close to the value: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/everygun/GunMfgCategoryDetail.aspx?id=500

Thanks guys. This is an old thread, but any additional info is appreciated.

 

[Peregrinator]

It needs a LOT of TLC for sure.

Ishmael

Prescription?

 

[koalabear]

serial #'s starting with 40700 started in 1916 and were designated Army Special & Officer's Model. Not sure if that is what you have, but the serial number puts it in that range. I you really want to know, contact Colt they have records for every gun they made.

Ignore the above.

.38 Police Positive started 1911 production with serial number 40000, so apparently it was made in 1911.

 

[Ishmael]

Prescription?

A knowledgeable gunsmith. In the mean time a LOT of oil.

DO NOT attempt to do anything to take the rust off or polish the metal in anyway yourself. In the attempt you may actually reduce the value of the weapon.

You should also get an appraisal as to the pistols current value as compared to top value. The PP was NOT a rare model.

For some guns sending them to the factory for refurbishment can restore value, never as much as an original, but more than current value. The issue is cost and whether the factory will even accept the gun for work.

Research Perg.

Ishmael

 

[Peregrinator]

Ignore the above.

.38 Police Positive started 1911 production with serial number 40000, so apparently it was made in 1911.

So does that mean it was produced in 1911?

 

[Peregrinator]

A knowledgeable gunsmith. In the mean time a LOT of oil.

DO NOT attempt to do anything to take the rust off or polish the metal in anyway yourself. In the attempt you may actually reduce the value of the weapon.

You should also get an appraisal as to the pistols current value as compared to top value. The PP was NOT a rare model.

For some guns sending them to the factory for refurbishment can restore value, never as much as an original, but more than current value. The issue is cost and whether the factory will even accept the gun for work.

Research Perg.

Ishmael

Thanks. If and when it's ever mine, I'll definitely look into it.

 

[unregistered]

 

[Peregrinator]

But, don't let it deteriorate any further.

Yup. Is there some particular gun oil I should use? I, obviously, know nothing about this stuff.

 

[unregistered]

 

[Peregrinator]

Get a product called Breakfree and follow the directions, or even a light oil. Don't use anything on that pistol except a nylon bore brush, patches, and a light toothbrush, until you can get it examined by a good smith. I've used Breakfree for years and have never had a rust problem in snow or rain on rifles treated with it. Absent that kind of abuse, you should be alright with a light coat inside the bore and out and then wipe it off.

Thanks. I'll pick some up and keep her from deteriorating any more.

 

[koalabear]

So does that mean it was produced in 1911?

No, tired eyes keep seeing 5 digits when it six a six digit number.

 

[Peregrinator]

Yes. 1912 production started at serial number 52000

Huh. I thought I had it pegged much later for some reason. Thanks!

 

[koalabear]

No, tired eyes keep seeing 5 digits when it six a six digit number.

Huh. I thought I had it pegged much later for some reason. Thanks!

You were right, it is 1943. The last year they were made.

 

[Peregrinator]

You were right, it is 1943. The last year they were made.

Make up your mind, you fur-brained marsupial.

 

[koalabear]

Make up your mind, you fur-brained marsupial.

hehehe........fur eyed more like it. 1943.

 

[unregistered]

 

[Lost Cause]

Colt .38 police special serial # 407996.

Date of manufacture please?

This was close..
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Guns-Firearms-Projectile-1501/2009/7/Colt-38-Police-Special.htm

I recently inherited a Colt .38 Police Special S/N 429915 in reasonable shape. I'm curious to know what year it was manufactured, and whether it would be considered a Curio/Relic as defined by the ATF. Also curious to know what it might be worth, but don't plan on selling it.

This Colt model was the Second Issue with the patent date of 1926 on the barrel. It was last manufactured in 1978. Your revolver with serial number 429915 was manufactured in 1934. It will either have smooth wood grips(early model) or checkered wooden grips(later production). It is over 50 years old, which it would be considered a Curio/Relic firearm. T

Or... yours 1932 according to:
http://proofhouse.com/colt/

 

[Peregrinator]

This was close..
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Guns-Firearms-Projectile-1501/2009/7/Colt-38-Police-Special.htm





Or... yours 1932 according to:
http://proofhouse.com/colt/

I never even realized that in the OP I posted "police special," when it's a police positive, .38 special.

This seems unnecessarily confusing.

 

[overthebow]

Would these be the gun nuts of which you speak?

http://www.mikemalloy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/kids_guns2.jpg