USFA Value?

[Steve S.]

I have/ own a three count sequential set (one 7 1/2”, two 4 3/4”) of the USFA Premium revolvers (SSA style) in .45 Colt (upgrades are fire blued screws, sequential serial numbers and Bisley CC hammers) that I am contemplating selling however, I cannot settle on an appropriate price for the set. I have all of the original boxes, ppwk, etc - all of the revolvers, boxes, contents are pristine new.
The only upgrade that I understand should carry a premium above standard market value is the Bisley hammers and the set being the only sequential 3X set with Bisley hammers - I simply do not know what that is worth.
My gut is telling me that the set should command (about) $8k (or +) but again, I have no way of knowing for sure.
So I ask those that know USFA values, what are your value thoughts? Thank you.

 

[adcoch1]

Just a WAG, but 6k would be my expected absolute minimum, and 8k doesn't sound off at all. Especially as a collection like that.

 

[Steve S.]

Adcoch1, my estimate is a WAG also - I am adding a guessing premium for upgrades to current market value - who knows????? I am sure that they are a one-of-a-kind set of three but I simply do not know what that is worth. Thank you for the input.

 

[edwardware]

In this price range, I'd suggest Morphy's or Rock Island. I believe one of them offers an inexpensive pricing advice service.

 

[sonora]

Not less 10K. Post pictures.

 

[Master Blaster]

https://www.coltforum.com/threads/usfa-trio.353517/

 

[CraigC]

Those look like Pre-war models, which are carbona blued and will go for more than the standard hot salt blued model. The boxes should state "armory blue" as opposed to "dome blue". I'm not one to ask on value but "new" condition with boxes and paperwork seems to make a huge difference with these guns. They would probably be $3000 apiece if sold separately. As a sequential set, definitely more but not sure how much more. I would determine the minimum I wanted to get for them, set the reserve there and put them up on auction starting at a penny. The bidders will tell you what it's worth. It may have to cycle a few times to get top dollar but someone will buy them.

 

[Steve S.]

CraigC, I see/ read nothing on the box label referring to dome or armory bluing - the set is early 28000 SN and I am guessing that they are dome blued (the armory bluing that I have seen usually has a purple hue to it - these revolvers are a very deep, dark rich blue).

 

[CraigC]

I'd have to see better pics but they look like carbona to me. Serial number 28,000 with case colored hammers will almost undoubtedly be Pre-war models. Carbona bluing shouldn't be purple. It's barely even blue. These are known examples of carbona bluing. It has a soft brushed luster.









USFA's dome blue is going to look like this, mirror polished and coal black.

 

[Steve S.]

CraigC, hmmm - they may indeed be “carbona” - I will post a closer, detailed photo for your review if you wish. One of the 4 3/4” examples. Thank you for your help.

 

[CraigC]

Yep, definitely carbona/charcoal/armory blue.