Colt's .38 Super El Jefe De Jefes

[AreWeNotMen?]

So I just got back from visiting family in Texas, and while there my niece was getting her LTC (AKA CCW). She's fairly new to firearms and was pretty excited...showed me her qualification target, we talked holsters, etc. She is going to carry a Ruger 9mm. Then another family member says, "Show Uncle Charley the pretty one". She pulls a Colt's .38 Super El Jefe De Jefes out of the safe. She inherited from her dad a few years ago (found under his pillow when they went through his house) - appears it may have been his carry gun by it's "used" condition (complete with "idiot scratch"). I told her it was probably pretty valuable.

Anyway, I told her I'd try to find info about it and didn't have much luck. Supposedly only 200 made, and one of a series of Colt/Lew Horton specials with Spanish titles on them. If any of you have some answers to these questions, I'd appreciate it:

• approximate year(s) made?
• what is the finish?
• does the cartridge seat on the case mouth?
• should she leave "as is" or have it reconditioned?
• approximate value?

Thanks for any help.

[highpower]

Run the serial number through Colts database. Also try typing "Colt .38 super El Jefe de Jefes" in google.

My advice is to always leave them alone. Since it belonged to her father, the wear on it was likely put on it by him and for that reason alone, I would keep it as-is.

I carry an old German made pocket knife that belonged to my father. As far back as I can remember, he had it in his pocket. I recently turned 68 so that kind of gives you a reference as to how old it is.

[splithoof]

If the frame on that is stainless steel, is there a way to remove/reduce the idiot scratch to a point that the potential value won't be affected?.....
I suppose if it turns out to be a pistol that was engraved/customized after it departed the Colt factory, the answer to the above would be yes.....
Nonetheless, there is interesting history of Colt 1911's in Super 38 down south of the border.
Thanks to the OP for sharing that treasure.

[Old Flash]

That's a rare piece and very special since coming from her father.
Something new to me is seeing an idiot scratch like that, starting all the way from the trigger.

[plumbum]

It’s not an idiot scratch, it’s a speed groove!

How come guns like that are out of style - is carry that before anything ZEV...

[splithoof]

How come guns like that are out of style - is carry that before anything ZEV...

I'd think they are "out of style" for many due to size/weight/capacity ratios, generation of users, etc. As some of us get older, and develop substantial orthopedic issues, toting around a full sized 1911 of any sort is simply not happening.

[elSquid]

[Joseg1320]

https://www.gunauction.com/buy/11844704

[Old Flash]

https://www.gunauction.com/buy/11844704

Beautiful!

[rubbman]

Almost looks like a crack vs. a scratch.

[MARKFP]

Although not my style all of the "El" series pistols are hard not to appreciate. 2 years ago the local Goleta gun shop took in about 16 "El" series pistols from a guy who's business was struggling, I don't know what the shop allowed him for them but they were all sold very quickly for well over 3k each.

[MrBlazito]

Almost looks like a crack vs. a scratch.

Was thinking the same thing.

[jazminbenitez61@yahoo.com]

Very interested in buy it plz call or txt +1 (209) 485-1027

[jazminbenitez61@yahoo.com]

Txt me the price you willing to sell for I will pay

[jarhead714]

Meheecans love their .38 Supers…