What's the price for an original Colt 1861 Navy?

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ghp

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Hallo,

this time I'd like some advice before buying.

I'd like to know what I should be prepared to pay for an "antique" Colt 1861 Navy, serial no. in the 7000's, so, probably made in 1863, but without military marks. Functions perfectly, I am told.

I suppose it may not be a good investment, but on the other hand it probably wont lose its value as fast as a share might do, eh?

Thanks,

Gerard
 

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Impossible to give an accurate assessment of the value of an original Colt without handling it. Condition, of course, is everything, and three pictures don't provide anywhere near enough information. From the data available, that gun could very well be an 'about good' to 'good' condition original or a fairly well executed fake. If it is truly the former, somewhere just shy of $2000 should do it.
 
It's a shame that one has been polished bright! The one on antiqueguns.com seems a lot nicer, although a little more money it's more reasonable it would seem. 60% scene vs 25% and untouched patina. ''Lightly spotted'' may equal VG bore?? I'd like to incorporate that one into my own little collection.
 
Thanks folks. I had been looking around on the internet, but managed to miss the links you provided.

Your reactions show that I probably was going to make an expensive mistake.

I wouldn't mind bidding on antiqueguns.com, he says he ships to Europe. I can give the price difference to MSF. Have you done business with "Rob", dion21?

Gerard
 
Hello Gerard!

Yeah, I've bought 5-6 guns from him, no problems mostly. Just ask him questions, lots of questions, about the mechanics, ask him to rate the bore more precisely, bore condition is mostly important if you want to shoot the gun. That way you lessen the risk of getting disappointed when you get the piece. Lots of money at stake.

// Daniel
 
Hej Daniel,

if you plan to bid, let me know, I don't want to bid against you.

How did you have the pieces shipped to Europe?

Gerard
 
Gerard;

I'm short on cash after this year's buying spree. Have to sell a piece first before actually buying anything else. So go ahead and bid. That gun has been on there for awhile. You can get it for the 2175$ I guess sicne there's no reservation. Rob has taken care of all the shipping, I've just registered on the site to bid and if you win you need a Mastercard of similar. What are the rules for antique guns in Belgium? Over here all muzzleloaders mefore 1890 are license-free.

//Danne.
 
$2175 is the starting bid for Robles' gun. Near the bottom look at "bid status", there is a reserve on it.
The '51's I've looked at have been pretty ratty, or extremely ratty, under $1800. I'd guess you are looking at $2500--3000 for a decent shooter.
Condition includes any finish left? How much, if any, cylinder scene? Do the serial numbers match, on barrel, frame, trigger guard and wedge? Usually the cylinder arbor is marked with the last few digits of the serial number.
No finish, mis-matched numbers detracts from collector's value but not from shooters. The practice of carrying a spare loaded cylinder is not a new invention, so now & again a gun that has seen the elephant has mis-matched no. on cylinder no.
One other site to look at is collectorsfirearms.com in Houston (proved an expensive place for me to visit). antiquearmsinc.com and joesalter.com are a couple more. I have bought several from collectors firearms.
Whereever, you can not ask too many questions. There sometimes appears to be a policy of "Don't ask, don't tell."
Ask.
 
Jameskelly;

Try looking in the column for the .36 guns instead, you'll see it says ''no reserve''. Second gun from the top.

http://www.antiqueguns.com/auction/display.cgi?all/164

Sounds like you've found expensive guns only? The -51's I've seen for that amount of money, 2000$+ are not ratty in my eyes. What's your opinion on a ratty gun? Do you want 99% scene and 50%+ original finish, then I understand. I want an 1851 too. Nice guns.
 
I paid under $600 for this 1851 .36 (made in 1862). All matching numbers, including the wedge.
I fired it yesterday.
DSCF5175.gif
Colt-F.gif
 
Sure that's not a replica, pohill? It looks brand new. ;-)

When I look at antiqueguns, it shows an empty bidding history. Maybe they don't show the biddings when you are not registered? Or is it like Ebay, where you wait to the last minute to bid?
 
It was reblued, probaby many years ago, the loading lever is slightly bent, but it's a shooter in overall great shape. The rebluing takes away from the value but it also protected the gun. I can live with the loading lever. The store where I bought it had an 1861 .36 for under $2000 and it was in great shape (I think it sold recently).
I saw an 1851 .36 recently that was half original, half 2nd Generation. I was tempted - $450.
 
Dlon yes, I do like that '61 on Robles' site. Guess I read wrong about the reserve. In the Spring I bought a Hall flintlock rifle in fine shape, followed by a US "common rifle", assorted Italian objects, a Thompson Center Patriot & two Rugers. Funds are the problem here, too.
My idea of ratty is heavily bruised metal, holes drilled here & there, stuff like that. Like this Navy which tempted me by its low serial no, 251, recently on antiqueguns.com Just didn't think I wanted to go US$1800 for it.
 

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I guess that's one of Tom Burness's auctions. He's kind of expensive. And many of his guns are crappy and dented crap.
 
I've met Rob Robles in person and bought guns from him off his site. He's a good guy and seems honest enough. However he may not be an expert on every gun he sells. I've noticed over the years he has had a few guns listed incorrectly especially S&W 1st Models. But we all can't be experts on everything
 
What is the use of not showing the full serial number in the text, like #17XX? One of the pictures clearly shows the serial number - if the gun in the pictures is the one on auction. Not that I would mind if it was another number in the 1700's.
 
GHP

Quote ( What is the use of not showing the full serial number in the text, like #17XX? One of the pictures clearly shows the serial number - if the gun in the pictures is the one on auction. Not that I would mind if it was another number in the 1700's. ) End Quote .......

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While you are right about them showing the Serial number in the picture anywayz , the point of not showing the whole serial number generally is for privacy reasons . Not everyone wants to have everyone know thier bussiness . Some of these guns can be tracked , especaily from Auction houses , it gives whomever gets the information where you live . It is a theft deterant to not let people know your seriel numbers . Plus why should the Feds know what you have anywayz .
They do this to pictures of cars , motorcycles too , they blurr out or black out the Liscence plate number , simple DMV check and I know where you live , who you are also . That is why they make an attempt at not disclosing full seriel numbers mostly . But as noted, it was pointelss in this case, yet the fact remains that tis why they did that .

Jaeger
 
Thanks Jaeger. I just wanted to know about the X's, without the giveaway. I'm still not convinced. If I managed to buy this gun, a number of people will now. How would not being sure if it was 17VW or 17XY, deter a possible thief?
 
Also, keep in mind that the gun listed for sale might have been stolen at some point. There was a big antique gun theft a few years ago in Maine and I'll bet someone's looking for those serial numbers. It's a long shot, I know, but...you never know.
 
Ghp, it's not an alpha numeric I.D. system... The SN 17XX is merely a way to block and original SN so as along the the above mentioned the SN 1722 can not be used as a counterfit SN and traced as an original...you can still trace a SN with say 17XX for Date of Mfg. for authentication...
Hope that helps.

SG
 
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