Colt SAA 1ST Generation Rework...Pricing Help Needed

[Randy63]

I have a chance to buy a really nice first generation Colt Single Action Army from circa 1910. The gun is in 85% to 90% overall condition and is excellent mechanically. I don't know what the original caliber was but it was rebarreled to .38 Special in the 1950's with a Colt barrel and cylinder. This is one very nice looking SAA.

I know an alteration like this reduces the collector value a great deal. Are reworked SAA's collectible in their own right? I can get this revolver for around $1500. My intent is to shoot it occassionally, but If I'm going to spend $1500 I would like it to have the potential to increase in value over time. Would I be better off finding a nice all original 95% 2nd generation gun?

Thanks for any replies,

K22

 

[Majic]

Collector status died the moment the reamer went into a chamber. Since the gun was rebarreled in the 50's there should be a definite difference in the bluing. Sounds like a re-blue job after the conversion. Collector status has hit rock bottom.
I believe Colt didn't chamber the SAA in .38sp till the second generation.
Since you are looking for a potential profit in the future I say pass on this one and find a original 2nd generation.
The book price for a 1st gen SAA from the early 1900's is around $6000 in the condition you posted, so you can see by the asking price that this specimen is not a collector.