New Member seeking info on M1889 DA .38

[IMBB]

Hello All!
I just joined, and I have a specific, and a general regarding my recent purchase of a first year 1889 Navy DA .38. First, it is a 3 digit (5xx) serial #, and I wondered if there is any additional collector value attached to an early serial such as this. It looks to have 60+% original blued finish, and all correct Naval markings/inspector stamps. I know approximately 393 of these guns remain in their original 1889 unaltered factory configuration. Can anyone tell me where I can find a list of the guns that are all original (not factory updated to later standards)? Thanks!

Brandon

[MidrangeWadcutter]

I don't know that its a SN range that were not converted but rather a comparison of features. I have a friend who has an unconverted 1889 Navy, I will have to ask him.

[IMBB]

Here are 3 pics of the gun in question. Thanks again!



10656514_1_l.jpg10656514_4_l.jpg10656514_8_l.jpg

[hwjhfs]

Are you sure you posted the correct photos?

[COLTDAGUY]

Here are 3 pics of the gun in question. Thanks again!



Attachment 19229Attachment 19230Attachment 19231

Unfortunately, this is NOT an Navy Model 1889 revolver. The Unaltered Model 1889 Navy Contract Revolvers all had the long flute cylinder with no additional locking notches. Your Navy has the locking notiches and short flutes. Also the "5xx" number you refer to is the assembly number of the gun, a 1-4 digit number the was repeated through out production on the DA Army and Navy revolvers. The Colt serial number of this gun is 111xxx as shown on the butt in the photo above. I can't make out the last three digits as they are obsured but you can see them below the 111 in the photo. This gun is a Model 1895 New Navy revolver. It was manufactured sometime in the fall of 1898 ... The grips on your gun have been changed. It should have the hard rubber grips with the word "COLT" in an oval at the top. Also the ejector rod cap has been replaced with one from much later production. The original ejector rod caps had a different configuration to them. Hope that helps... Bob Best

[IMBB]

Hi Bob,
In this condition, can you give me a ballpark value? Im just trying to make sure I didnt overpay. It was bought in an online auction. I guess I should do my research BEFORE I buy next time.

Brandon

[Coltlover]

Hi Bob,
In this condition, can you give me a ballpark value? Im just trying to make sure I didnt overpay. It was bought in an online auction. I guess I should do my research BEFORE I buy next time.

Brandon

Live and learn grasshopper.

[COLTDAGUY]

Hi Bob,
In this condition, can you give me a ballpark value? Im just trying to make sure I didnt overpay. It was bought in an online auction. I guess I should do my research BEFORE I buy next time.

Brandon

Hi Brandon... From the photos I would guess somewhere between $300 and $400 would be in the ballpark...
Bob

[up196]

Hi Brandon... From the photos I would guess somewhere between $300 and $400 would be in the ballpark...
Bob

And if you paid more than that, remember, that's how we all learned, and you didn't pay too much, you just paid it too soon.