Older revolvers recovered from Storage

[whoreable]

My father passed years ago, in some storage we found two revolvers. How do I go about verifying the year of production, and then what kind of basic price quotes are we looking for for both in this market. Thanks!

The left side barrel reads 'Colt Single Action Army .45', along side the left trigger guard reads 'Pat.Sept19.1871; July2.72 Jan.19.75. On the pistol grips bottom reads someones name 'Michael W Janke'. The top of the barrel reads 'Colts P.T.F.A MFG Co. Harftford CT USA. The serial number is (not fully listed) 'xxx71SA


The second revolver reads '*32 Winchester CTG* on the left barrel side. On the right side of the trigger guard reads 'Thade mark. The top of the barrel reads 'Best american cartridges are those that fit best (cannot read last word). and 'C H. REVOLVER Pat 4 May 1881. 12 APRIL 1838. 27 MAY 1890. 11 JUNE 1900. 26 JULY 1900. 2nd May 1901. The serial number on the bottom pistol grip reads 'B 297xx

[whoreable]

[Argonaut]

Beautiful stuff, The ivories on the Colt are worth a fortune by themselves. I would take my time, order a letter from Colt, It will tell where and when it was first sold and how it came from the factory. The S&W looks like an old hand ejector with early diamond grips, but don't take my word for it. Smith has the same service as Colt from the historical department these days, so I would order a letter from them too. Then you will have a proper description on both and will know what to ask an appraisal. If the Colt came that way, it is way more valuable than if it is a later recreation. The Colt could top 10K or more if it is orignal.

[redcliff]

That looks like 3 revolvers, not two. Edit: oh one of the pictures looked like their was a blued single action army there; may be my monitor.

No interest in keeping them as family heirlooms I suppose?

I'd suggest you take them to a gun shop and ask to have them appraised; may cost $10 apiece or so; be sure to tell them you are getting them appraised for INSURANCE purposes, NOT that you are interested in seling them as the dealer may low-ball you to try to buy them from you.

Depending on the vintage of the Colt SAA in nickle, you may want to procur a history letter from Colt's historian telling you where and when it was shipped.

[whoreable]

Thank you all, any more tips or ideas I would welcome!

[Khram]

The Colt seems to maybe be a 2nd gen or later not a pre 1940 one but I am far from a SAA expert. The other gun may be a spanish copy of a .32-20 S&W revolver.

[meaty-btz]

If that is an honest to god Ivory Handled Nickle Colt.. wow.... Those grips are worth a good penny if the real deal.

[_Z_]

I would keep those revolvers since they were your dad's. ESPECIALLY THE COLT.

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

If those guns could talk, they'd give some good stories.

[RedFord150]

I would keep those revolvers since they were your dad's. ESPECIALLY THE COLT.

Agreed x1000!

[morrcarr67]

I would keep those revolvers since they were your dad's. ESPECIALLY THE COLT.

What he said.

[GUNNTZ]

That colt is probably better than owning real estate, the value will only go up. Get them appraised/contact manufacturers for info. It would be a real shame to sell some family history.

[VegasND]

Interesting thread -- thanks for posting the story and pictures.

Please be sure to let us know what you find out and what you decide.

[sfguyhere]

I'm sorry about your fathers passing. Those are two beautiful pistols, you couldn't ask for two cooler pistols.

[turbosbox]

there are some antique gun value guide books you could refer to.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/969977132/Guns/Pistols/Colt-Single-Action-Revolvers-3rd-Gen/Colt_Single_Action_Army_3rd_Generation_45_Colt_Cal_W_Colt_Ivory_Grips_Unfire.htm#

There is a blued one that may be similar? or not, I have no idea. $1500 asking price.
I like the "insurance appraisal" idea given above.