Colt 1777-1977 Cavalry Commemorative Set (1860 Army)

[blueskyjaunte]

Hi folks. I picked up this commemorative set in a trade. Condition looks to be excellent, only one small spot of rust on the muzzle of one of the pistols (on an unblued area, so the finish will not be affected should I clean it off). Even the original packaging is included--individual styrofoam boxes for the pistols, four congratulatory letters from Colt, etc.

The previous owner included his original bill of sale from a dealer in NJ (!) in 1978 in addition to all of the original paperwork. Turns out they weren't much of an investment--he bought the set for around $950 and it looks like they're worth about $1100 today. Taking inflation into account, that's a lot of lost opportunity!

Anyway, I'm looking for more information about these. Were these manufactured by Colt in the USA, or are they Italian repros that Colt sold under their own name? Any info is appreciated.

I'll be happy to post photos this evening if anyone is curious.

They're my first BP firearms. I'm really itching to shoot one, now, but given my lack of experience in this area I'm considering purchasing a repro and shooting that instead. So....Uberti, or Pietta?

 

[Fingers McGee]

There were 2945 of the standard US Cavalry Commemoratives made in 1977 by Colt in the Hartford factory. There were also 80 other sets made with engraving and/or gold inlays. These revolvers were made from parts sets provided by Italian and US companies. This link will give you some background on the 2nd Generation Colt Percussion Revolvers: http://archives.gunsandammo.com/content/cap--ball-resurrection?page=1

Current (2011) Blue Book lists the value of the sets at $1500 for a set in NIB condition with the original packaging. In the past year, the sets have sold for between $900 and $2000 with most going in the $1300 to $1500 range

 

[Foto Joe]

I'll be happy to post photos this evening if anyone is curious.

Curious?? Us?? Ya Think??

Let's have a look at 'em if you don't mind.

 

[blueskyjaunte]

Thanks for the link and info, Fingers. These don't have engraving or gold inlay, but they are beautiful nonetheless.

Joe, I'll snap some photos tonight and post them ASAP.

 

[blueskyjaunte]

I guess now you can all marvel at my fabulous photography skills.

 

[Foto Joe]

Very nice.

It sounds like you'e planning on shooting them and I can't say that I blame you. Do you have any idea as to whether they've been fired before??

 

[CraigC]

I'll be happy to post photos this evening if anyone is curious.

Now that right there is funny!

Pics are always encouraged......sometimes even required.

 

[blueskyjaunte]

According to the previous owner they are unfired, and having looked them over rather closely I see no evidence that they have ever even been "field stripped". I got them in the original shipping carton--every piece of styrofoam is intact!

Anyway, I am debating on firing these but I have a Pietta 1860 en route that I'll "play" with first. I'd rather learn on something a little more ... disposable.