Colt SAA with "pinched frame" (sight groove) question

[bedbugbilly]

Just a curiousity question. On another forum, someone asked about "pinched frames" and what they were. Someone was kind enough to post a photo of a Colt SAA that had one and I have to admit, I had never heard of one nor seen one - I've collected for 50 years but not Colts.

The information given said that they were rejected by the Army as they preferred the straight groove site over the "pinched". I'm guessing that very few were made with the "pinched frame" and they would have been early production?

If a person was ever lucky enough to find an original Colt SAA that had a "pinched frame" - how much more would it be worth or add to the value over a standard Colt SAA? Is it known just how many were produced?

Thanks!

[Kid Sopris]

Serial Number 1, Sold in Las Vegas. When you add buyers premium and tax it went for over a Million Dollars. I think if you found one in similar condition might cost you $250,000.00 in the right neighborhood.

I think realistically, since there were less then 300 made, $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 would probably be the going rate, (giving current econimic conditions), presuming of course you had a Colt Letter, and some history and the condition was equal to Colt No. 1.

[hwjhfs]

Watch for fakes

[pyshtrvr]

I read ( don't believe everything you read ) there were about 160 pinch frames made at begining of production. If you'd like to view one, Collectors Firearms has one listed at $175,000.

[bedbugbilly]

Thanks fellas - I guess that's why I've never seen one! LOL Or will never own one as well! Anybody have any idea how many have survived or been accounted for? Also, were there any other makes/models that featured this "pinched frame" sight groove?

I just foun it interesting as I'd never seen one before. Just one of those little "tidbits" of history that is interesting. And yes, I can imagine that there have been efforts to produce fakes. I've never had the opportunity to shoot a Colt SAA but I do have a clone - a Ruger New Vaquero that I like very much. I'm just thinking about how frustrated I'd be if I had a pinched frame and tried to get used to that sight picture.

Thanks for the information - very interesting and I greatly appreciate it!

[pyshtrvr]

Remmington also had a pinched frame back in the day.

[Roninrlm]

Just be assured that there is no telling what you might run across out there. Just becarefull--readas much as you can and look at every old Colt you can find.

I missed a great deal on a colt Bisley only because I did not realise how rare it was----7 1/2 barrel, .41 Colt, nice condition.

Ronin

[what would you say]

I believe all the pinched frames they are currently exist have been accounted for as well. So there are none left to be found..(guess I should stop digging in backyards) .. I don't know if all locations/owners of each one is known and tracked to prevent fraud, but I know where none are. Anybody ever laid eyes on one in the flesh? (Not counting the one in Houston listed in Collectors Firearms )

[Rick]

I believe all the pinched frames they are currently exist have been accounted for as well. So there are none left to be found..(guess I should stop digging in backyards) .. I don't know if all locations/owners of each one is known and tracked to prevent fraud, but I know where none are. Anybody ever laid eyes on one in the flesh? (Not counting the one in Houston listed in Collectors Firearms )

Yep, saw one at the Michigan Antique Arms collectors show 3 or 4 years ago. No finish but good shape. Not for sale, display only.

[Walter Rego]

US Firearms Co. offered the pinched frame option on one of it's models in the past, not sure if they still do. Maybe through their custom shop ?