Custer 3rd gen cap n ball

[middletownbob]

hi Guys,
just want to run this by the experts..I have an opportunity to buy a lightly used Custer model with US holster, belt and cartridge box for $475...thoughts?

[middletownbob]

sorry, no pics because of my flip phone

[Major 2]

What you have there is a commemorative , it is a gun commissioned by Lou Imperato in Brooklin NY.
He was the same fellow the headed the Iver Johnson produced 2nd Gen Colt BP series. under Colt license.
When the 2nd Gen.s run ended, Imperato struck out with so called 3rd gen Signature series.

Basically, Uberti's  The price is the high side of fair for a used 3 Gen. but that said a New Uberti list about $375, add in the leather if its good quality , maybe ... but used I'd be inclined to dicker the price lower.
A Second Gen BP  series Colt will letter , a 3rd Gen will not , the Custer commemorative does not really add a premium to shooters,  maybe if it was new in presentation box it would.
  I think with good leather $400-425 used is tops ...but then that's me

The late Lou Imperato and his son later formed Henry Repeating Arms and Anthony runs the company today

something else to consider, currently Uberti 1860 Army's are out of stock. due to Italy in covid lockdown, I would not be surprised to see retail go up post pandemic

[middletownbob]

thanks Major, i think 425 sounds better and i will get a chance to look at it later this week and will report....Bob

[Major 2]

US made holster, belt and cartridge box in good quality  (  not Pakistani  )

Is a nice plus ....

[LonesomePigeon]

Is this the one that is silver plated, fully engraved and has rosewood grips with an eagle carving? Those usually sell for around $1000 when "new in box". I do believe these are hand engraved. If in good working order I think $475 would be a great buy if you want it as a shooter.

[middletownbob]

yes LonesomePigeon you are correct and thats what i think, going to look at it at my LGS after Easter but it is Silver plated, engraved with the grips you describe, and i'm looking for a shooter....I should be able to go to 450 or maybe 425...Bob

[Abilene]

Heck, if it is silver plated and hand engraved, I would buy it for that price even though I don't shoot cap'n'ball!

If it is laser engraved and silver plated, it might still be worth it but I would have to see it in person.  I've seen a number of silver plated laser engraved Ubertis that looked like crap.

[Professor Marvel]

My Good Bob

I agree with Major and Abilene....

Prof Marvel looked into his krystal ball and read your mind, in order to find these images:







check out more magic lantern shows at

https://www.cowanauctions.com/lot/colt-signature-series-1861-navy-3rd-generation-custer-special-edition-revolver-3213092

and

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/revolvers/commemorative---collectible-revolvers/colt-1861-navy-3rd-gen-general-custer-signature-series-revolver-nib-s-n-44870.cfm?gun_id=100700709

note that the Cowans auction says "action does not function". I myself got several Uberti Colts
cheap that way from pawn shops because the wedge was driven so deep the hamme would not cock, LOL.
Fixed it in 5 minutes  when I got home.


Not sure what finish was actually applied. One site says "pewter", no one seems to mention silver plate.
Since these were hand engraved, I would be inclined to go for it at the best price the guy would do.

yhs
prf marvel

[Major 2]

I had in my mind, you were looking at one of these ...and as such I stand by my original post.

on the other hand if its engraved with carved grips that the good Prof. has posted , then its some unique 

[middletownbob]

thank you Professor and major for your input, it is the engraved model that Professor Marvel put up and i think it is "pewter" not silver, but looks silver in color...I had my friend at the LGS put my name on it until i get there and look at it...All the info is appreciated and if it is clean, i will buy it....thanks Bob

[Abilene]

I've never heard of a pewter finish, and while pewter can be plated, I'm doubting you can plate anything with pewter.  If not silver, possibly the gun is in the white. 

[middletownbob]

maybe an "antique type" finish or coin?

[Abilene]

Maybe.  Uberti also used to offer a nickle finish that was called Antique Nickle (maybe?  something like that), that was a little less shiny, but more shiny than those pictures.

[LonesomePigeon]

What I heard or read was that those Sig Series Custer's were plated with "antique silver". I have no idea if antique silver is real silver or if it's just a trade name for something else.

A while ago Guns of The Old West did an article on Custer's real engraved 1861 Navy pair. They look a lot like the Sig Series one except I believe Custer's were plated with Silver and Gold.