Looking for Colt Info.

[Doc Sunrise]

I have an opportunity to purchase a beautifully "D" engraved Colt SAA from 1978, and I am trying to find out who was the Master Engraver in 1978 at Colt.  Also, I spoke to the Gun Shop Owner who worked with the now deceased owner of this gun to order it.  He stated that the owner paid almost $12,000 for this gun, and that is what the family is asking for it now.  That seems alot to me, but I've heard that if the Master Engraver did the work, that will carry more value to the gun.  I did order for the Colt Archive information, but meanwhile I am trying to find any sources that can help me in this decision.

[Camille Eonich]

I would think that if someone important enough to add $10,000 worth of value to gun did the work on then there would be some kind of papers with the gun.

[Camille Eonich]

I found this...

Colt's custom engraving runs the other way - "A" engraving is the least coverage, running up to "D" grade full coverage. Colt also offers varying qualities of engraving - Standard, Expert, and Master. According to Blue Book of Gun Values, recent pricing for top of the line "Master" grade engraving, signed by the master engraver, on a Colt Single Action Army was $1,163 for A; $2,324 for B; $3,487 for C; and $4,647 for D.

http://www.armchairgunshow.com/engraved_guns.htm

[St. George]

Sounds like the seller wants a premium price without offering any provenance - and if the dealer 'worked with the now deceased owner' then 'his' records should show something about the purchase - and there 'should' already be a factory letter with the gun and any accessories.

If not - and they're asking that much - then they should provide said Letter, without you having to pay for one.

During that time frame, Colt produced an inordinate number of factory-engraved pieces - as many as 300-500 engraved guns on a single order - with approximately 3,500 being engraved since 1976.

The Master Engraver's signature is featured somewhere within the engraving - so that'll answer your question - but Colt didn't separate the classes of engravers until after 1997 - just the classes of engraving - and in 1995 -  Class D coverage cost the buyer $4,647.

Currently - according to the 25th edition of the 'Blue Book' - a fully-engraved Class 'D' revolver with 100% coverage is valued at $2800.

For twelve grand - you can buy a few of them...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Doc Sunrise]

Thank you all for the info.  I will demand that the dealer find the paperwork.  He did reimburse me for initiating a Colt Letter.  But I think the family and the dealer are working from memory, and after 375 guns, they definitely could be wrong.  That is why I am searching for as much info as possible to justify my offer to them, which I do want to be fair for both sides.

Thank you Camille for helping me get in the right place for the info.  St. George has helped me many times so far and I feel very comfortable with his info.   

[Doc Sunrise]

I woke up this morning and it dawned on me that I forgot about stating that this Colt SAA also has Gold Banding and a Gold Inlay with Raised Ivory Grips along with the full coverage engraving.  Does the Blue Book discuss any values on those type of embellishments?

[St. George]

Well, now...

The gold banding and inlay isn't addressed for that time - and carved Ivory isn't, either.

You can sort of extrapolate from this, but when they were an option - the price was $575 for plain, so carved would add another couple of hundred.

Remember - when this piece was built, they engraved a lot of them, and the 'Blue Book' isn't all that complimentary, because of the large numbers done.

Using the criteria, I think you're still talking about an under five grand piece as far as current value goes - though higher prices are always asked - hoping someone didn't do his homework.

But you're doing that...

My copy of Wilkerson's "The Post-War Single Action Army Revolver 1976-1986' isn't handy at the moment - but he does address a number of interesting things on these Third Generation Colts.

Remember - what was ostensibly paid doesn't always get recouped, and in this instance - it's a buyer's market.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Doc Sunrise]

Again, Thank You.  I do believe I have a copy of that book.  I will let you know what happens.

[Doc Sunrise]

Well I finally broke down and made an offer that was accepted.  It really is a beautiful piece, photo to follow soon.  My examination of it determined it was Master engraved and gold inlayed by Steve Kamyk.  The original box came with it, and I have sent out for a letter.  It was just too nice to let it go.

[Kinda Sudden]

Congratulations Doc. Don't forget the pics.

                                                  K.S.

[Doc Sunrise]

I am still trying to learn this picture thing, they are not the best, but here they are.